Luciano Leilua given breach notice by NRL after failing to disclose drink-driving offence

Failing to tell the NRL about a drink-driving offence could mean a delayed start to a star Dragon’s time at his new club.

Star St George Illawarra signing Luciano Leilua might not make his debut with the Dragons until round 3 of the NRL season after being hit with a breach notice for a drink-driving offence while still a North Queensland player.

Leliua, 27, has returned to the Dragons on a three-year deal, with coach Shane Flanagan trumpeting his signing as making “our roster stronger”.

He was released from the Cowboys who had stood Leilua down from all club activity after he pleaded guilty to a low-range drink-driving charge earlier in February.

It’s alleged Leilua failed to disclose the offence to the Cowboys or to the NRL’s integrity unit and he was hit with a breach notice by the league.

The Dragons were aware Leilua faced a possible sanction when they signed him, and a two-match ban and a fine looms as the likely penalty after an investigation.

“In February 2024, Leilua was suspended from driving for one month and fined $300 as a result of a low-range drink-driving conviction,” an NRL statement said.

Leilua looking good back in Red 👌🏼 Tuesday training ✅ Build to week ☝️ ramps up now 🔥 #RedV#BreatheFirepic.twitter.com/9muAijDh1Z

— St George Illawarra Dragons (@NRL_Dragons) February 27, 2024

“It is also alleged that Leilua failed to inform his club at the time, North Queensland Cowboys, or the NRL Integrity Unit, of the incident in accordance with his obligations under the NRL rules.”

It could mean Leilua will miss the Dragons’ opening two games against the Titans and Dolphins and sets up a round 3 return against the Cowboys.

Leilua has five days to respond to the notice.

It comes after premiership-winning Penrith star Mitch Kenny was banned for the season opener for a social media post last December.