Four players banned as NRL hands down hefty sanctions

The NRL has handed out more than $50,000 in fines following a series of off-field dramas that overshadowed the final week of the season.

Melbourne players Cameron Munster, Brandon Smith and Chris Lewis have been hit with a breach notice following the white-powder scandal that engulfed the Storm last week. It proposes to ban each of the Storm players for one match.

New Zealand’s Reece Walsh has also been sanctioned for bringing the game into disrepute, after he was arrested and charged with cocaine possession on the Gold Coast. Walsh has been hit with a two-match ban.

“I understand that players have endured a long season under strict protocols,” said NRL boss Andrew Abdo.

“However, there is no excuse for the behaviour we have seen over the past week. The players have let themselves, their clubs and the rugby league community down. 

“These sanctions are designed to include an element of rehabilitation and development as well as having consequences for the individual and team.”

The breach notices propose a $30,000 fine for Munster, while Smith has been fined $15,000 and Lewis $4000, with each player to miss the opening match of the 2022 premiership.

Walsh has been fined $5000 and suspended for two matches.

All four players will be required to complete education and training as directed by the NRL.

MORE TO COME.

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