NRL 2021: Trent Robinson fumes as Roosters star Victor Radley kicked off flight, facing sanction
Sydney Roosters coach Trent Robinson has lashed suspended forward Victor Radley for being kicked off a flight for allegedly being drunk.
Trent Robinson has torn strips off star lock Victor Radley after he was booted off a flight on the Gold Coast for being drunk.
Robinson ripped into Radley when asked about the incident over the weekend which has the backrower facing a sanction from the NRL.
“It is really frustrating,” Robinson said.
“We don’t want that in general public let alone someone that wears the colours every week.
“It is disappointing and it shouldn’t happen. It is not what we want from our players so just don’t do it. Act like a man in public and behave yourself, it is pretty simple.”
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Radley, who is suspended and didn’t travel with the team, was removed from a flight to Sydney hours after the Roosters’ win over the Titans.
“It is not that difficult. Hand up who has got on a flight before? Like how hard is it to get on a flight and get home?”
Robinson has backed Radley to bounce back from the incident but says he must smarten up.
“He’s a good man who wants to be one of the boys. He has to assume that responsibility of being an NRL footballer and a leader at a club and we don’t want to act that way,” Robinson said.
“People look up to Radley. He’s a really good man. He has good principles and he wants to be a lad sometimes.
“That’s not what we need from him. That’s not what the game needs from him. That’s not what the kids that look up to him need from him so he needs to assume that quickly.”
ROOSTERS STAR KICKED OFF GOLD COAST FLIGHT
Sydney Roosters forward Victor Radley is facing sanction for being kicked off a flight for allegedly being drunk.
Radley was removed from a flight to Sydney hours after the Roosters secured a 35-34 win over Gold Coast at Cbus Stadium last Saturday.
Given he remains suspended by the NRL judiciary, Radley wasn’t part of the official Roosters squad and flew north to watch young friend, Ben Thomas, make his NRL debut.
There has been no suggestion Radley misbehaved other than being heavily intoxicated when boarding the one-hour flight back to Sydney.
Sources indicated a sober Radley flew home on Sunday morning with Roosters officials.
Radley is facing a fine of up to $10,000. Once aware Radley had been removed from the flight, Roosters officials immediately informed the NRL integrity unit.
The NRL will investigate the incident before determining whether to discipline Radley.
Radley was poised for selection in NSW’s game one side to play Queensland before being rubbed out by a five-game suspension for a high tackle and dangerous contact.
NRL management said Radley was still scheduled to return for the Roosters’ round 17 against Canterbury on July 10.
Earlier this year, Radley was suspended for two matches and fined $20,000 after his involvement in another incident at Byron Bay on December 30 last year.
The NRL suspended $10,000 of that fine for 12 months – money Radley may now have to outlay if the game’s governing body becomes irritated with his behaviour.
At the time of the Byron Bay incident, Radley was directed to complete an education and training course.
On March 10 this year, the Roosters issued a statement which read: “Radley breached the game’s code of conduct when he tackled an individual in a street.
“The penalty (two game suspension, $20,000 fine) reflects both Radley’s conduct and failure to report the incident. In accepting the breach notice, Radley has apologised for his actions.
“Radley has also been required to report back to the club and NRL following the completion of the education and training course.”
Radley is unlikely to be considered any of the three Origin games this season.
The Radley drama comes just a day after champion Roosters skipper Boyd Cordner retired through multiple concussions.
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