TV cameras capture childish Eels act

The NRL is investigating a childish act at Parramatta Eels training as journalists covered a major story surrounding Dylan Brown.

DAILY TELEGRAPH JUNE 4, 2023. Parramatta Eels player Dylan Brown at training at Eeels HQ in Kellyville. Dylan Brown who has been charged with sexual touching on a night out in Double Bay. Picture: Adam Yip

Allegations against Parramatta Eels players’ conduct during a mandatory media session has caught the attention of the NRL integrity unit.

The alleged incident occurred on Wednesday when members of the media were conducting interviews with senior forward Shaun Lane at the club’s Kellyville base.

This session took place just hours after Eels player Dylan Brown appeared in court on charges of sexually touching a woman, leading to his subsequent suspension under the NRL’s no-fault stand-down policy.

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The Daily Telegraph first reported that while the interviews were taking place, some engaged in immature behaviour, making cat and dog noises from inside nearby portable buildings.

One player was even heard repeatedly meowing, as captured in audio aired on Channel 7 that evening.

Certain Parramatta officials were aware of these noises and called upon team captain Clint Gutherson to intervene and put an end to the taunting.

.@TheParraEels rugby league star Dylan Brown has been stood down by the @NRL, accused of sexually touching a woman during a night out in Double Bay. The 22-year-old fronted court today, and is now sidelined from playing until the matter is resolved. https://t.co/I1hKmxXVnW#7NEWSpic.twitter.com/WdRb6rCk8V

— 7NEWS Sydney (@7NewsSydney) June 7, 2023

The players‘ juvenile antics were picked up by sound effect microphones belonging to some media outlets present at the session.

Although Channels 7, 10, 9, and Fox Sports were all in attendance, representatives from the latter two organisations claimed not to have heard the players’ disruptive behaviour.

Parramatta Eels player Dylan Brown (right) at training at Eeels HQ in Kellyville. Picture: Adam Yip

NRL CEO Andrew Abdo has been informed of the players‘ actions, prompting the governing body to contact several reporters that night.

The NRL integrity unit has reached out to these journalists to gather additional information, with plans to contact the club for an explanation.

While it appears that the players‘ noises were not directed at the reporters themselves, but rather at their fellow teammates, the incident still left a negative impression.

Parramatta’s media department representatives acknowledged the issue and confirmed that they had asked the players responsible to quiet down.

Allegations against Parramatta Eels players’ conduct during a mandatory media session have caught the attention of the NRL integrity unit.

One reporter who was present at Kellyville described the behaviour as bizarre.

“It was bizarre behaviour to be making cat and dog noises through the windows, especially given the serious nature of why we were there,” the said via the Daily Telegraph.

“It made everyone feel uncomfortable. We were unsure why it wasn’t addressed.”

The incident left an uncomfortable air, with some left puzzled as to why it was not promptly addressed.

Parramatta‘s next game will be against Canterbury on the upcoming King’s Birthday holiday, which falls on Monday.