Queensland Maroons star Jai Arrow ruled out of Origin clash, fined $35,000 by NRL following COVID breach

Queensland Maroons star Jai Arrow has been ruled out of the final State of Origin game, after he breached COVID protocols on the Gold Coast.

As first reported by News Corp Australia, the 25-year-old is being investigated by the NRL Integrity Unit following an alleged breach of the bubble during Maroons camp.

Senior reporter Brent Read confirmed that Arrow has been ruled out via Twitter shortly after the news broke. 

It had been alleged that Arrow brought a guest into the team hotel, with the NRL confirming the news in a statemement on Thursday afternoon.

Arrow will be forced into isolation for 14 days, suspended for two games and has been fined $35,000. 

“The National Rugby League (NRL) has issued Queensland Maroons player Jai Arrow with a Breach Notice for failing to comply with the game’s Biosecurity Protocols during the team camp,” it said. 

“The NRL alleges Arrow allowed an unregistered guest into the team hotel. Arrow has been isolated from the squad and will leave the camp to commence 14 days home isolation.

“The Notice proposes Arrow is fined $35,000 and suspended for 2 matches, which will include Game III of the Ampol State of Origin Series.

“The NRL notified Queensland Health as soon as it was made aware of the Breach. The Queensland Camp will continue on the Gold Coast as scheduled. 

“Additional 24-hour security has been added to the team hotel to ensure the squad’s compliance with the game’s Biosecurity Protocols.

“Arrow has 5 working days to respond to the Breach Notice and the NRL will offer him wellbeing support.”

The news comes at a horrible time for the NRL, as the fallout from the Dragons party at Paul Vaughan’s house rages on.

The 30-year-old had his lucrative contract torn up by St George Illawarra earlier this week, and has also been fined $50,000 by the league. 

NRL Chief Executive Andrew Abdo said the NRL’s Apollo team acted quickly to avoid any further issues ahead of the game in Newcastle next Wednesday. 

“In our view this is a clear breach of our biosecurity protocols, Jai has been placed into isolation from the squad and will return home to Sydney,’’ he said.

“There are no excuses for breaching the protocols, they are our licence to continue playing – players have to comply, or we will all face the consequences.

“I want to be very clear, any material deliberate repeat offence by a player will result in us removing that player from the approved bubble roster.”

“I’d like to thank Queensland Health for their ongoing assistance in managing the situation and ensuring community health and safety.”

Arrow will miss South Sydney’s round 18 clash with the Bulldogs as part of his suspension and isolation.