NRL 2020: Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk fires a warning shot

The Queensland Premier has warned badly behaved NRL figures are putting the season at risk as Wayne Bennett and others broke protocol.

Wayne Bennett was in hot water after going to lunch with his partner.

Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk and Chief Health Officer Jeanette Young have given misbehaving NRL players a reality check, warning them continued biosecurity breaches may put the season at risk.

Last week South Sydney coach Wayne Bennett and Dragons prop Paul Vaughan were fined $20,000 and $10,000 respectively for leaving their teams’ “bubbles” to dine out at a restaurant and a cafe.

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Bennett was slammed for making excuses after going out to lunch with his partner, who later hit back at his critics on Instagram by saying “people in glass houses shouldn’t throw stones”.

Broncos trainer and club legend Allan Langer was also fined along with two other Brisbane staffers for drinking in a pub, while Newcastle Knights self-reported after becoming aware Starford To’a and Simi Sasagi had broken their bubble.

Broncos forward Tevita Pangai Jr was on Sunday stood down for two weeks after he went to a barber shop opening and mingled with friends.

The rugby league world has already condemned those rule-breakers and now Palaszczuk has reminded the sport how delicately placed its season is.

“The Deputy Premier and Chief Health Officer are in constant contact with the NRL,” Palaszczuk said.

“I will be reminding the NRL the future of the season is in their hands. Everyone has to do the right thing.

“Nothing is more important than protecting the health of Queenslanders.”

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Tevita Pangai Junior was widely criticised for his breach.

Dr Young echoed Palaszczuk’s sentiments and also took a crack at some players for failing to understand the importance of following the rules.

“That will be up to the NRL to sort through but yes, there have been a number of breaches that potentially do put the season at risk,” she said.

“I’m satisfied management is dealing with this very, very seriously. I’m not satisfied the players understand the seriousness.”

The NRL has exemptions for interstate teams to travel to and from Queensland on game day during the coronavirus pandemic, but further breaches may see these special privileges revoked.

Even when Queensland closed its borders to all Sydneysiders last month, Australian Rugby League Commission chairman Peter V’landys was confident the NRL’s exemptions would remain in place because of the league’s strict rules which essentially confine players and coaches in bubbles to their home unless travelling to and from training or games.

But that confidence may start to waver if footy figures continue to ignore the rules.