The Dolphins could be forced to pay a $50,000 fine after being accused of breaking the NRL’s anti-tampering laws.
According to multiple reports, the Dolphins were issued a breach notice for allegedly attempting to get Broncos rising star Deine Mariner to walk out on his contract with two years to run.
The breach notice was sent to the Dolphins and Mariner’s agent, Dixon McIver, on Thursday afternoon following an investigation.
Watch every game of The 2023 NRL Telstra Finals Series before the Grand Final Live & Ad-Break Free During Play on Kayo Sports. Join now and start streaming instantly >
The Broncos had made complains to the NRL Integrity Unit late last year, according to the reports, while the breach notice is the result of a nine-month investigation.
The Dolphins are the first club in the history of the NRL to be hit with such a breach notice.
In the breach notice, a $50,000 fine is proposed with half of that fee suspended.
Mariner’s agent reportedly confirmed that his client requested a release from his Broncos contract — a request which was denied.
He has since been extended through to the end of 2027.
Earlier in the year, the Dolphins made the shock claim that they felt “used” by player targets, alleging a number took advantage of their negotiations to get better deals with their existing clubs.
‘A season to forget’: Ben Hunt reflects | 00:41
NRL clubs cannot induce players to break contract under its anti-tampering laws.
The NRL’s breach notice to the Dolphins reportedly claims the new franchise showed a “failure to comply with the record-keeping provisions of the (Playing Contract and Remuneration Rules).”
The Dolphins and Mariner’s agent have five business days to reply to the breach notice.
Mariner, 20, has played six times for the Broncos over the past two years, scoring five tries.
