Cronulla Sharks veteran Josh Dugan has been hit with a breach notice by the NRL which suggests he receive a $25,000 fine after being found to have breached the league's COVID-19 biosecurity protocols.
A photo of Dugan out with friends at a restaurant on the weekend emerged after all NRL players were ordered into stage three restrictions, which forbids them from visiting hotels, clubs and pubs.
Despite his restaurant attendance not breaching the NSW Health protocols, the NRL investigation concluded that Dugan ignored Sharks orders when visiting the restaurant.
"The Breach Notice alleges Dugan attended a restaurant in Potts Point on 25 June in breach of Level 3+ Biosecurity Protocols which require players to remain at home unless training, playing or conducting essential household requirements," an NRL statement read on Wednesday.
"It is alleged that Dugan had been fully informed of his obligations by his Club and chose not to comply with them."
Dugan will be required to serve a 14-day isolation period away from his teammates before he is allowed to return to Sharks training.
The proposed fine comes after the 31-year-old issued an apology for his actions, calling his restaurant attendance an "error in judgement".
"It's been a difficult period for me personally and I'm putting my hand up on this one," Dugan told News Corp.
"I've had all the necessary testing done for COVID and I've come back negative.
"I'll isolate and do everything that is asked of me."
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