Paul Vaughan concedes there is no excuse for his NRL bubble breach after the St George Illawarra prop was rubbed out for two weeks and placed into isolation.
The State of Origin forward was caught having breakfast at a Wollongong cafe on Thursday, in a direct breach of the NRL’s biosecurity rules.
He was been stood down from Thursday night’s clash with the Sydney Roosters, and will also miss next week’s game against Parramatta.
He will only return on the eve of a clash with Brisbane, having not trained with the squad for two weeks.
The news comes as a massive blow for the Dragons, who are close to the point of must-win football and now must do it without their best prop.
“I am very remorseful for the reckless and selfish decision I have made,” Vaughan said.
“Everyone within the Dragons’ bubble, including myself, are well aware of the protocols in place.
“I’m sorry for the harm my actions have caused to the club and my teammates.”
Vaughan has been tested for COVID-19, and will require to pass another test before returning to the team.
Prop Kaide Ellis will come in for the 29-year-old, playing his first game for the Dragons since moving from Penrith mid-season.
Vaughan’s breach came at the same time that South Sydney coach Wayne Bennett was caught having lunch at a Sydney restaurant on Wednesday.
ARL Commission chairman Peter V’landys has told AAP the pair’s actions must be a wake-up call, given it places the whole game at risk.
Dragons chief executive Ryan Webb also didn’t miss, claiming Vaughan had let the club down.
“Paul is one of our most experienced players and we are upset with his judgement in breaking the NRL’s COVID-19 biosecurity protocols,” Webb said.
“Not only has he let the playing group and the entirety of our hard-working staff down but also our Red V members, partners and fans.”
Andrew
Roar Pro
After Parramatta we’ve got the Broncos, Titans & Cowboys we need to win two of those games to keep away from the spoon
andrew
Roar Rookie
You're right. It's a shame seeing Saints among the also rans. After last night's effort I'm starting to wonder if they're going to win another game this year. At times during games Saints don't seem to have anything in attack, just throw the ball across field, maybe put in a kick and hope for the best. Watching the Roosters reserve graders last night,they just looked a class above Saints.
Andrew
Roar Pro
Looking at the bigger picture I think this shows there are cracks emerging in the playing group & culture at the Dragons. Paul Vaughan is arguably the most senior player at the club & for him to have such a brain fade is unforgivable. McGregor is losing the player group, at 4 & 9 this season following on from a 15th place finish is 2019 it’s hardly surprising I guess.
andrew
Roar Rookie
Haha, you've got that right.
Albo
Roar Rookie
Yep ! The Broncos might actually be a chance this week, without that midget irritant in their ears confusing them out on the park all match !
andrew
Roar Rookie
Just heard Alfie Langer and a couple of Broncos staff have been stood down for breaching covid19 rules.
Joe
Roar Rookie
Pretty disappointing considering what the Warriors and Storm are going through to keep the competition going. Mcgregor was spot on calling it selfish.
andrew
Roar Rookie
Bennett can have as much Italian as he wants now, at home.
andrew
Roar Rookie
Paul Vaughan should have known better. V'landys has moved heaven and earth to restart the comp and for a player and experienced coach to jeopardise everything is unbelievable. I agree with Ben Ikin saying Wayne Bennett's explanation smacked of arrogance. How many other players or staff have broken the rules.? Get real or get sacked, imbeciles.
Tony
Roar Guru
If only....
Andrew
Roar Pro
Pot plant
Rabbitz
Roar Guru
Yes he has. https://www.smh.com.au/sport/nrl/nrl-to-investigate-after-wayne-bennett-breaches-covid-19-protocol-20200806-p55j21.html
JGK
Roar Guru
Is it worth checking again that it was Bennett who broke the bubble and not Mary?
Tony
Roar Guru
So has Bennett also been stood down or is it only players who can spread the virus?