‘This is a gee up’: Ex-NRL star facing long-term ban over missed act

An exiled NRL star is facing a long-term suspension after being charged over an incident that nobody can work out.

Paul Vaughan got six weeks. Photo: Twitter, Sky Sports.

Exiled NRL star Paul Vaughan is facing a long-term suspension over an incident that few fans have been able to work out.

The former NSW State of Origin star is set to face the music at a Super League judiciary hearing this week over a controversial act during Warrington’s clash with St Helens over the weekend.

Vaughan, who was pushed to the UK league after being sacked by the Dragons and let go by the Bulldogs, has received a Grade E charge, which comes with a ban of up to six weeks, from the match review — but nobody seems to be able to spot exactly what he did.

Watch every game of The 2023 NRL Telstra Finals Series before the Grand Final Live & Ad-Break Free During Play on Kayo Sports. Join now and start streaming instantly >

Paul Vaughan got six weeks. Photo: Twitter, Sky Sports.

Paul Vaughan in his final days at the Bulldogs. Photo by Matt King/Getty Images.

Vaughan was seen grabbing former Australian representative star Sione Mata’utia by his jersey and attempting to pull him to his feet after the former Newcastle Knights player was left on the ground following a tackle - but it’s not clear if that’s the action that triggered the charge.

With Mata’utia slow to get back to his feet and showing signs of injury, Vaughan took it on himself to attempt to lift his opponent back to his feet.

This charge is a gee up..surely! @VossyBrandySEN@foxleague@telegraph_sporthttps://t.co/w92oWOsyk5

— Andrew Voss (@AndrewVossy) September 18, 2023

The incidental contact has left some NRL commentators shaking their heads at the charge handed out.

After a string of on-field and off-field issues, Vaughan left the NRL because no clubs wanted him, according to reports.

Vaughan was famously banned for eight matches and fined $50,000 after hosting 12 teammates at his Shellharbour home for a barbecue in contravention of the league’s strict biosecurity protocols in 2021.

It has been a staggering career collapse for the 32-year-old, who had previously earned a contract worth $800,000-per-season and was selected to represent Australia.

A six-match ban would be the end of Vaughan’s season.

Originally published as ‘This is a gee up’: Ex-NRL star facing long-term ban over missed act