The Gold Coast Bulletin

Schoolgirl­s sex claim dogs NRL

- DEAN RITCHIE

THE NRL has been rocked by yet another sex scandal on the eve of the code’s season opener with two Canterbury players sensationa­lly stood down amid claims they had sex with two schoolgirl­s.

Corey Harawira-Naera and Jayden Okunbor were due to be named in the Bulldogs side to play the Eels in Sydney tomorrow night but will not play.

The incidents allegedly took place at the team hotel during the club’s visit to Port Macquarie for a trial game last month. It is understood the two females are above the age of consent and the sex was consensual.

There is no criminal investigat­ion into the matter.

But Canterbury officials have ruled the two players breached the club’s and the NRL’s code of conduct.

The scandal is a horrible blow to the NRL ahead a massive season kick-off between the western Sydney rivals at what is expected to be a sold-out Bankwest Stadium.

Harawira-Naera and Okunbor have been issued show-cause notices by the NRL and could face further disciplina­ry action.

News Corp has been told the two players met the students during a school visit to promote the club’s trial match against Canberra.

Sources claim the alleged sexual encounters were revealed after the women spoke of the incident on a group app.

The parents of both teenagers were told of the claims.

Most NRL clubs forbid women from visiting team hotels on away trips.

The incidents could not have come at a worse time for the Bulldogs, who were closing in on securing a major jersey sponsor for 2020.

 ?? Pictures: GRANT TROUVILLE & ALIX SWEENEY ?? Bulldogs players Corey Harawira-Naera and (inset) Jayden Okunbor have been stood down.
Pictures: GRANT TROUVILLE & ALIX SWEENEY Bulldogs players Corey Harawira-Naera and (inset) Jayden Okunbor have been stood down.

Newspapers in English

Newspapers from Australia