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BSP-03
RUGBYL-AUS-EELS
New player suspension heaps more woe on troubled NRL
SYDNEY, March 12, 2019 (BSS/AFP) – Parramatta Eels and Tonga prop Peni Terepo has been suspended after alleged drunken behaviour on an international flight, the latest scandal to hit Australia’s embattled National Rugby League (NRL).
The Eels said late Monday that Terepo would miss the opening game of the season against the Penrith Panthers on Sunday and an investigation into the incident had been launched.
New Zealand website Stuff reported that the 27-year-old had been drinking alcohol before boarding the Nuku’alofa to Auckland flight on Saturday.
He allegedly brought alcohol on to the Air New Zealand flight and refused to hand it over to the crew. A witness was reported as saying Terepo had been verbally abusive.
Terepo was escorted off the plane by two police officers after it landed, but was not charged, the news site added.
“The club will now work with the relevant authorities in New Zealand, the NRL Integrity Unit and the RLPA (Rugby League Players Association) to investigate the incident thoroughly,” the Sydney club said in a statement.
“This process will then guide our next steps. The club will make no further comment until the investigation is completed.”
The incident follows a string of scandals to hit the NRL ahead of the new season, which starts this week.
Panthers’ young playmaker Tyrone May was suspended indefinitely last week after being charged by police for allegedly filming and sharing images of sexual acts with two separate women on different occasions without their knowledge.
It follows Canterbury Bulldogs star Dylan Napa being fined 10 percent of his 2019 salary for appearing in several sex tapes.
Two other players were suspended indefinitely after the NEL introduced a stringent new regime against players accused of serious crimes in late February.
Players charged with serious criminal offences are now automatically suspended instead of being able to play while awaiting the outcome of court cases.
St George Illawarra’s Jack de Belin, who is facing sexual assault allegations, and Manly Sea Eagles’ Dylan Walker, who is accused of domestic violence, were the first to be suspended under the new rules.
BSS/AFP/AU/07:40 hrs