Another COVID-19 protocol breach has hit the NRL and this time, it has State of Origin implications.
Queensland enforcer Jai Arrow has been suspended for Origin III and will cop a AU$35,000 fine for bringing an "unregistered guest" into the Maroons camp.
Less than a week ago, 13 St George Dragons players were suspended and fined for attending a post-match party at Paul Vaughan's apartment, after a come-from-behind win over NZ Warriors.
Arrow has been sent home, with Fox Sports reporting the South Sydney Rabbitohs forward snuck a woman into the Queensland bubble, violating the NRL's strict COVID-19 protocols.
Players are permitted from socialising or making close contact with anyone outside their team bubble.
The 25-year-old will isolate for 14 days, while he serves a two-match suspension.
Queensland great Corey Parker calls Arrow's actions "stupid".
"How stupid can you be?" Parker has told Fox Sports. "You're pulling on a Maroons jersey and, in my opinion, you're showing disrespect to that jersey by the fact you've put yourself before the team.
"That's the most disappointing thing. I’ve got no doubt the people that are pulling on those Queensland jerseys, if you ask them what Queensland means to them, it would be everything.
"The difference between what it means to you and what you show in your actions, they’re two different things."
Fellow Maroons great Cooper Cronk questions the light suspension.
"Seriously, not even a week after the hysteria around Paul Vaughan and the Dragons, and what happened?" Cronk says. "People can’t read a paper or watch the TV without [seeing that].
"I think the two-game suspension is light. He probably should have got another two for stupidity.
"After everything the Dragons have been through, Jai Arrow knew what he was doing and blatantly disregarded the rules.
"He's put the game, the competition, all in jeopardy, because of his selfish actions."
Join us at 10pm Wednesday for live updates of State of Origin III between NSW and Queensland
