The Dragons have condemned the actions of their chairman Craig Young after he wrote a court reference for Brett Finch using the club’s letterhead.
Former NRL star Finch, 41, is fighting to avoid being sent to jail after he used a gay sex chat service to send sick messages about young boys.
The former NSW State of Origin hero has suffered a dramatic fall from grace after he pleaded guilty to one count of using a carriage service to make available child abuse material.
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Rugby league great Young submitted a glowing reference for Finch and gave evidence at his sentencing hearing in Sydney’s Downing Centre Local this week.
‘Your Honour, as I have stated I believe that Brett is a highly decent young man who has made a genuine mistake in this instance,” the reference reads.
“I also believe that you will never see him before the courts again.”
Young – a former police detective – typed the character reference on Dragons letterhead in a move that has angered the club.
“The St George Illawarra Dragons are aware of a letter from chairman Craig Young on club letterhead supporting Brett Finch in his ongoing court case,” the Dragons statement read.
“This statement was provided in a personal capacity and was not supported or approved by the club.”
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Young apologised for using the letterhead, while former Dragons media manager Jack Brady slammed his “selfish” decision.
“It was an error in judgment to put this statement on club letterhead,” Young said.
“I was asked to provide a letter of support to a family friend who I believe made a serious mistake but is a fundamentally decent person.
“I should not have connected the club to this matter and would like to apologise to members, fans, sponsors and all other stakeholders for any distress caused.”
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