Jayden Okunbor, Corey Harawira-Naera appeal: Bulldogs pair to fight NRL ban

UPDATE: Jayden Okunbor and Corey Harawira-Naera will appeal against the decision to have their contracts torn up by the NRL for serious misconduct in Port Macquarie.

Jayden Okunbor set to appeal the decision to rip up his contract. Picture: Alix Sweeney

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Disgraced Bulldogs stars Jayden Okunbor and Corey Harawira-Naera are appealing their indefinite NRL ban.

Okunbor and teammate Harawira-Naera had their contracts torn up last week for serious misconduct in bringing two schoolgirls back to their hotel room during a pre-season trip to Port Macquarie for a trial game.

Jayden Okunbor lodged paperwork to fight his ban. Picture: Alix Sweeney

Okunbor lodged his paperwork on Wednesday with Harawira-Naera following his former teammate.

The NRL has given them no timeline about a possible return.

Okunbor, 23, and Harawira-Naera, 24, were accused of contacting the girls on social media.

Their behaviour that led to indefinite deregistrations was labelled ‘inexcusable’ in statements released by NRL boss Todd Greenberg and the Bulldogs CEO Andrew Hill.

“The behaviour of both players was inexcusable and a very serious breach of the code of conduct,” Greenberg said.

Corey Harawira-Naera is also appealing his ban. Picture: Mark Kolbe/Getty

“The game will not tolerate such conduct and as such both players have had their registrations cancelled.

“This decision should send a very clear message to all players of our stance on such behaviour.”

It is unclear on what grounds the players are appealing.

The appeal will be heard by former High Court judge Ian Callinan, the chair of the NRL Appeals committee.