Canberra Raiders players Hudson Young and Morgan Smithies have received a breach notice following an incident at their hotel in Las Vegas prior to the NRL season opener. The players were involved in a scuffle just days before Canberra’s first match against the Warriors. Despite both athletes participating in the initial games of the season, the NRL has now confirmed that they are facing repercussions for their actions, asserting that their behaviour has brought the game into disrepute.
In an official statement, the NRL outlined that the breach notice pertains to a violation of the NRL’s code of conduct and acknowledges that both Young and Smithies have apologised publicly, taking responsibility for their conduct. The league remarked, “The breach notice alleges the players engaged in conduct which has brought the game and their club into disrepute.” Details regarding potential sanctions will remain confidential under the collective bargaining agreement with the Rugby League Players’ Association (RLPA) until the players have had an opportunity to respond and the matter is resolved.
While specifics on the penalties are still uncertain, a suspension seems improbable since the players have already been fielded in the first two rounds of the competition. Following the hotel incident, Young and Smithies addressed the media in Vegas, extending their apologies for the disruption caused by their actions and the negative impact on both their club and the reputation of the sport.
As for on-field performances, the Canberra Raiders have commenced their season on a positive note, securing victories against the Warriors and the Broncos.