Hunt’s blunt message for Dragons’ ‘dirty dozen’

St George Illawarra captain Ben Hunt has spoken for the first time about the club’s COVID breach that has thrown the Dragons’ season into chaos.

Paul Vaughan had his contract torn up, and a further 12 players have been suspended for one match each, following a BBQ at Vaughan’s Shellharbour property that breached both NSW health guidelines and the NRL’s COVID-19 protocols.

Fines totalling $305,000 were also handed out.

Speaking to the Sydney Morning Herald, Hunt, who has been in camp with the Queensland State of Origin side, says he feels let down.

“I haven’t had much to say about that [Vaughan incident] because I went straight into Maroons camp and was away from it all,” Hunt told the Herald.

“I knew Vaughny said he wanted to have a barbecue, but I never knew if it was actually going ahead, or what the numbers would be or anything like that. I was actually enjoying family time that night.

“It’s very disappointing. We’re on the edge of the eight, we’ve had a couple of good wins, and for something like that to happen is a big setback for the club.”

The Dragons skipper acknowledged the apologies that have been forthcoming from those involved, but said they need to back that up with actions on the field.

“I spoke to a few of the boys and they all said they were sorry,” he said.

“It was a big mistake made by a few people. They can say sorry all they want, they need to get on with it now, toe the line and lead our club – all those blokes who were there need to help lead our club.”

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