NRL 2021: Jai Arrow faces State of Origin ban as QRL chairman Bruce Hatcher slams his actions

QRL chairman Bruce Hatcher has lambasted Jai Arrow for his Covid breach with the board set to impose a harsh sanction.

South Sydney star Jai Arrow faces a ban from competing in next year’s State of Origin series because his indiscretion unfairly made Maroons coach Paul Green look like an “irresponsible hack” and that the QRL was “incompetent and shambolic.”

That was the view of Queensland Rugby League chairman Bruce Hatcher, whose board will impose a harsh sanction on Arrow at a board meeting on Friday.

Arrow breached Government and NRL Covid protocols by sneaking a woman into Queensland’s team hotel, the Gold Coast’s Sheraton Grand Mirage, before Origin III.

He has already been fined $35,000 and suspended for two games by the NRL but faces additional action by the QRL.

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Jai Arrow faces a ban from competing at next year’s State of Origin. Picture: NRL Images

The QRL will consider banning Arrow from next year’s series with Hatcher filthy at how his organisation was depicted by the player’s behaviour.

“We were called everything from incompetent to shambolic and Paul Green – a guy who is very disciplined and a very professional coach – was made look like an irresponsible hack. That’s just not right,” Hatcher said.

“There’s not much you can say to support what happened. The point is that it didn’t affect one individual, it affected everyone associated with it.

“I think a board of any organisation has got to take a leadership role and if it wants certain standards then it has to defend those standards.

“If it’s appropriate for a whole lot of people to live by those standards then I’m not so sure an individual deserves anything better than what your standards represent.

“Isolated breaches are one thing but the fact an individual completely breaks boundaries when we had incidents like the St George club (Paul Vaughan’s BBQ) and identical issues in the NSW camp (with Api Koroisau) which were not properly reported.

“In my view, anything that damages the game shouldn’t be tolerated. The whole thing is whether you’re prepared to uphold your standards or whether you make excuses for them.

“That (ban from 2022 series) would be one of a number of penalties that could apply. I don’t want to make a drama out of this whole thing but I’m from the school that believes if you represent anyone at any sport at any time, then you do have a role and responsibility, not only to yourself but everyone else.

“I have some basic views on life: ‘Would I do this if I was going to be caught?’ Things like ethics and values are really most appropriate when no-one sees them.”

Hatcher said Queensland’s ongoing success in Origin was built around “pride and standards.”

For this reason, Hatcher says, Arrow is expected to be heavily disciplined.

“I can tell you that the only reason we compete at a high level is because of the pride they have in who they represent. I have no doubt the whole of Queensland supports the standards and pride that the Maroon jumper upholds in our state,” Hatcher said.

“At the end of the day, we have to look at what it means to represent Queensland and whether a fine is appropriate.”

QRL boss Bruce Hatcher is set to impose a harsh sanction on Arrow. Picture: Adam Head

Asked about a possible fine, Hatcher let his own thoughts be known by declaring: “I don’t believe it is a financial penalty. He has suffered financially, anyhow. I don’t necessarily agree with the effect of a financial sanction – a week’s pay doesn’t mean a lot to me. I can’t see what that does for anyone.

“Bearing in mind, we haven’t met as a board, we will meet as a board and we will make a decision as a board as to whether the penalty is appropriate and where we go from there.

“We have always held highly the representation of our guys in Origin and what roles and responsibilities that entails.”

Queensland fought back to win game three but were comprehensively outplayed in the opening two games by NSW.

“We are in the process of reviewing the whole Origin thing,” Hatcher said.

Korisau may avoid State of Origin ban

NSW hooker Api Koroisau may avoid being officially suspended from next year’s State of Origin – but could still could be overlooked for selection.

Koroisau faces sanction from the NSWRL board after twice breaking Covid protocols by taking a woman in the Blues team hotel during this year’s State of Origin series.

The NSWRL board is expected to reach a decision on Koroisau’s punishment either Friday or this Monday after receiving a recommendation from CEO, David Trodden.

The Panthers star has already been fined $35,000 and suspended for two games by the NRL but will face additional action by the NSWRL given the incidents occurred during Origin.

While a suspension from next year’s series is being considered, it is more likely Koroisau will be hit with another hefty fine.

Avoiding a suspension though will not guarantee Koroisau walks back into the Blues side next season.

Api Koroisau may avoid State of Origin suspension despite breaking Covid restrictions. Picture: Chris Hyde/Getty Images

Given his behaviour angered fellow NSW players, it is likely the NSW coaching staff may simply overlook Koroisau, even though he would be technically available for selection.

In reaching their decision, the NSWRL will remember Koroisau has already been publicly humiliated and also received heavy condemnation from the NRL.

That, according to sources, may prevent the NSWRL from imposing a ban from next year’s series.

The Daily Telegraph spoke with one NSWRL director who said there had been considerable debate among directors over a suitable penalty for Koroisau.

Trodden was reluctant to discuss the matter until a final decision but did say: “The board is considering the question of possible sanctions at the moment.

“What they are giving active consideration to is coming up with an approach to the matter which appropriately reflects the fact that he has already received a punishment from the NRL for the breach.”

Koroisau will be given five working days to respond from the expected NSWRL breach notice.

Blues adviser Greg Alexander told Fox Sports that Koroisau had “let everyone down.”

Koroisau last week issued a heartfelt apology to the game, his teammates and family.

“I made the choice to do the wrong thing and my actions have brought shame and embarrassment to many people, especially my wife and children. I will be forever sorry,” he said.

“I apologise to the fans for putting our game at risk, particularly at such a challenging time for so many people.

“I’m determined to become a better partner, father and protector, and hopefully rebuild trust, and earn back your love and our family.”

Koroisau remains suspended for this weekend’s big game against Melbourne Storm.