Phil Rothfield’s highlights, lowlights: Paul Vaughan removes apology, Dragons lock in George Burgess but miss Will Hopoate

George Burgess has signed with St George Illawarra — but the Dragons have been out-bid for their top target.

Paul Vaughan's Instagram apology disappeared from his page, before the rest of his posts followed after an inquiry from The Daily Telegraph.

Former Dragons prop Paul Vaughan has mysteriously removed his Instagram apology over the “stupid, unexplainable and irresponsible” behaviour in staging the now infamous St George-Illawarra barbecue last weekend.

“The events that took place were thoughtless and disrespectful to not only the game that I love, but to all of the sponsors, members and fans as well as the broader community,” he wrote.

“I should have known better and I am truly sorry.”

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Over the weekend Vaughan took the message down.

So does that mean he has withdrawn the apology?

We checked in with management company SFX Sports where he is looked after by player agents George Mimis and Darryl Mather.

Turns out it was a mistake, according to Mather.

Paul Vaughan's Instagram apology disappeared from his page, before the rest of his posts followed after an inquiry from The Daily Telegraph.

“He’s actually closed his account altogether now,” Mather said.. “He took the apology down by mistake. I can assure you absolutely that he is still remorseful. He’s broken and terribly upset.

“You can’t sugar coat it. In the perilous situation the city is in right now, there is no justification for any of these actions. He’s genuinely feeling low.”

HIGHLIGHT

Ash Barty, Wimbledon champion. The most beautiful person and the most wonderful role model. Such an inspiring and uplifting story in these horrible times of living in a Covid lockdown.

Ash Barty celebrates victory at Wimbledon (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)

LOWLIGHT

NRL split rounds during State of Origin without 34 of the best players in the competition and we are forced to watch hopelessly out-of-form teams like the Cowboys on prime time television.

HOPPA TO ST HELENS

Will Hopoate has rejected a 12-month offer from St George-Illawarra to take up a lucrative two-year deal with St Helens in the UK Super League.

SAINT GEORGE

George Burgess has signed a two-year contract with the St George Illawarra Dragons. He is on minimum wage but can make good money in a heavily incentivised contract.

George Burgess has signed with the Dragons (AAP Image/Joel Carrett)

SPOTTED

Old South Sydney Rabbitohs coach and Grappa restaurant’s most famous customer Wayne Bennett demolishing lamb shanks in the dressing sheds in Newcastle after Friday night’s victory over the North Queensland Cowboys.

SPOTTED

The morning after Ash Barty wins at Wimbledon, 70-year-old Aussie tennis legend John Alexander out buying new joggers at Village Sport in Balmain.

SHOOSH

A decision to abandon the rugby league World Cup at the end of the season in England is expected this week. Understandably NRL clubs do not want their million dollar players on the other side of the world for six weeks during Covid.

360 VIEW

Catch you Monday night on NRL 360 on Fox League at 6.30pm with Dan Ginnane, Paul Kent and James Hooper to discuss all the latest Covid movements, the State of Origin build up and all the biggest issues from around the clubs.

Originally published as Phil Rothfield’s highlights, lowlights: Paul Vaughan removes apology, Dragons lock in George Burgess but miss Will Hopoate