By Scott Bailey
The NRL has come down hard on NRLW player Caitlin Moran, intending to ban her for one match because of a social media post following the death of Queen Elizabeth II.
The Newcastle Knights player created headlines last week over her online comments, which appeared to be about the Queen’s death, in the hours after the news broke on Friday.
Newcastle Knights NRLW player Caitlin Moran.Credit:NRL Photos
The post was deleted after about eight hours, but screenshots have been viewed by the NRL’s integrity unit.
The NRL announced on Tuesday it planned to ban Moran for one match, which equates to one-sixth of the NRLW season.
The former Jillaroos back is set to become the first NRLW player to be banned for an off-field matter in history.
The Indigenous Knights star also received a suspended fine of 25 per cent and will be ordered to undergo education and training around the appropriate use of social media.
‘The relationship between Indigenous people and the monarchy is a complicated one.’
NRLW Knights coach Ronald Griffiths
Knights coach Ronald Griffiths came to the defence of his fullback after his side’s loss to the Sydney Roosters on Sunday.
“The relationship between Indigenous people and the monarchy is a complicated one,” Griffiths said.
“If Caitlin has done something then it will be investigated by the integrity unit and we’ll work our way through the process.
“We’re talking a little bit of negativity with Caitlin, but if we look at we’re she’s come from, in 2017 she wins us the World Cup and does her knee the year after and has probably been in the wilderness since then.”
However, the NRL said the comments were unacceptable, no matter the circumstances.
“Rugby league is an inclusive game and has a proud and strong relationship with many communities,” the league said in a statement.
“Regardless of any personal views, all players and officials must adhere to the professional standards expected of them and on this occasion the public comments made by the player have caused damage to the game.”
Moran was not named by the Knights for their final-round clash with St George Illawarra, with Tamika Upton returning at fullback.
The 25-year-old has until next Tuesday to decide whether to accept the finding.
AAP
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