Queensland and Rabbitohs forward Jai Arrow will miss the Rabbitohs’ round 18 match against the Bulldogs after the NRL suspended him for that game as well as State of Origin III, and ordered him into 14 days of home isolation, following a COVID breach in Queensland State of Origin camp on the Gold Coast.
In a statement by the Queensland Rugby League (QRL), Arrow said: “I know I have let a lot of people down, including my teammates, coaching staff, and fans right across the Rugby League community.
“For this, I am truly sorry. I have fully cooperated with the NRL Integrity Unit, and I understand the scrutiny and criticism coming my way.”
The NRL issued the following statement today:
JAI ARROW STATEMENT
The National Rugby League (NRL) has issued Queensland Maroons player Jai Arrow with a Breach Notice for failing to comply with the game’s Biosecurity Protocols during the team camp.
The NRL alleges Arrow allowed an unregistered guest into the team hotel. Arrow has been isolated from the squad and will leave the camp to commence 14 days home isolation.
The Notice proposes Arrow is fined $35,000 and suspended for 2 matches, which will include Game III of the Ampol State of Origin Series.
The NRL notified Queensland Health as soon as it was made aware of the Breach. The Queensland Camp will continue on the Gold Coast as scheduled. Additional 24-hour security has been added to the team hotel to ensure the squad’s compliance with the game’s Biosecurity Protocols.
NRL Chief Executive Andrew Abdo said the NRL’s Apollo team had acted swiftly to minimise risk to the Queensland Community and the remainder of the Queensland playing squad.
“In our view this is a clear breach of our biosecurity protocols, Jai has been placed into isolation from the squad and will return home to Sydney,’’ he said.
“There are no excuses for breaching the protocols, they are our licence to continue playing – players have to comply, or we will all face the consequences.
“I want to be very clear, any material deliberate repeat offence by a player will result in us removing that player from the approved bubble roster.”
“I’d like to thank Queensland Health for their ongoing assistance in managing the situation and ensuring community health and safety.”
Arrow has 5 working days to respond to the Breach Notice and the NRL will offer him wellbeing support.
