South Sydney star Latrell Mitchell has apologised for hosting a weekend camping trip involving fellow NRL players Josh Addo-Carr and Tyrone Roberts-Davis.
In a video posted to his Instagram account on Monday, Mitchell apologised following the weekend's activities on his New South Wales mid-north coast property which appeared to breach coronavirus restrictions.
Melbourne's Josh Addo-Carr and Newcastle's Tyrone Roberts-Davis were among the group of 12 that went on the trip, where they engaged in recreational activities.
Mitchell said the group didn't intentionally set out to break any rules.
"It was a little bit of a slip up but like I said Foxy reached out, he had his cousins go through a bit of stuff from Sydney so he just wanted to get away up to the bush .. to make sure they were getting culturally connected again and that's what the whole part of the concept of this weekend was," he said.
"We weren't here to break rules or hurt anyone. We're not being selfish like I couldn't turn down the brothers in a time of need. So just wanted to let you all know that on behalf of me and Foxy and all our mob we apologise."
Josh Addo-Carr also took to Instagram to apologise, saying "nothing was intentional or deliberate" and he just wanted to put some smiles on his cousins' faces.
Photos on social media posted by the players showed them engaging in activities including riding dirt bikes, firing rifles and posing together as a group.
New South Wales Police has hit the three NRL players with one thousand dollar fines, and is investigating Josh Addo-Carr for possible firearms breaches.
Mitchell's club South Sydney released a statement saying the club and its players "have taken the government health orders very seriously, and on a number of occasions have helped educate and support the community through this period.
"We will ensure Latrell provides any assistance authorities require and accept any action the government believes necessary.”
The National Rugby League confirmed on Monday it would investigate the matter and support any government sanctions handed down.
"On face value, the image in today's media is both disappointing and an unacceptable breach of health orders," the NRL said in a statement.
"The NRL will be speaking to the players involved to seek further information and we will ensure the players provide any assistance authorities require.
"Our players are role models and we expect them to lead by example during this pandemic."
Under state guidelines, people can only leave their house for work, essential shopping, exercise, medical appointments and compassionate visits.
The incident comes as the NRL tries to convince the government that it has the safety measures in place to restart the competition on May 28.
- with AAP
