NRL's kick-blocker crackdown changes the game - but the question is do we want that?
NRL kickers are under more pressure than ever. But what will the knock-on effects of the new crack-down be?
After a two-month NRL investigation, Jarryd Hayne has reportedly escaped any punishment over the video of him partying with an alleged bikie on the Gold Coast.
But the NRL integrity unit has put the Titans fullback on notice and warned him against associating with criminals, according to News Corp Australia on Wednesday.
Hayne met with NRL officials in September after the social media video showed Hayne with alleged Hell’s Angels member and former Titans under-20 player Chris Bloomfield at an end-of-season party.
The code-hopping star appears to hand Bloomfield a wad of cash in the footage.
Hayne claimed he’d never previously met Bloomfield and did not give him the money.
The NRL has reportedly closed their investigation after accepting Hayne’s version of events.
The outcome comes amid concerns criminals were infiltrating the game following other incidents involving players, including Cronulla’s Andrew Fifita apparent support for convicted one-punch killer Kieran Loveridge.
Corey Norman, Junior Paulo and James Segeyaro were also photographed drinking with convicted criminals during last season.
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NRL kickers are under more pressure than ever. But what will the knock-on effects of the new crack-down be?
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