Fiji Bati and Penrith Panthers hooker Apisai Koroisau has been issued a two-game suspension and $35,000 fine for alleged COVID-19 breaches involving an unregistered female guest while he was in the NSW Origin bubble.
Koroisau allegedly brought a woman into NSW camp in the lead-up to and aftermath of Origin II in Brisbane in late June.
The NRL's breach notice, which proposes Koroisau be banned for the Panthers clash with Brisbane tonight and their grand final rematch with Melbourne in round 20, is in line with the punishment handed to Queensland star Jai Arrow for bringing an unregistered guest into Queensland camp leading into Origin III.
The NRL Integrity Unit findings and subsequent punishment have been issued on the basis that Koroisau's breaches came just after biosecurity rules were upgraded.
An NRL statement says they have taken into account that the alleged breach took place prior to more recent breaches, including before a group of St George Illawarra Dragons players breached NSW Public Health orders and before Queensland Player Jai Arrow breached the game’s biosecurity protocols.
It says that it also takes into account the alleged breach was shortly after an upgrade in biosecurity protocols.
A Panthers statement said the club supported the sanctions and are offering welfare assistance to the Koroisau family as the 28-year-old dummy-half prepares to accept his punishment.
Koroisau's suspension includes tonight's game against the Broncos and Melbourne Storm next weekend.
He is expected to return when the Panthers face the Roosters in Round 21.
[Source: NRL]
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