Penrith Panthers star Api Koroisau said he would be “forever sorry” after the prostitute was given a two-game suspension and a $ 35,000 fine for a Covid violation during camp. Origin.

The NRL Integrity Unit on Thursday launched an investigation into allegations that an NSW player broke home state Covid bubble rules by bringing a woman into the camp.

It came after the Daily Mail reported that Blues rookie Koroisau sneaked a woman, who was not his wife Amy, into the camp twice during his first series.

While Api Koroisau apologized, Amy criticized “painful lies and false statements in some media reports” in the couple’s statement on the incident.

The NRL confirmed the sanctions on Friday evening, before Koroisau issued a public statement of apology.

His statement said, “I made the choice to do the wrong thing and my actions have caused shame and embarrassment to many people, especially my wife and children. I will be sorry forever.

“I sincerely apologize to the NRL, NSW Rugby League, Panthers, sponsors and stakeholders, and all of my teammates for letting you down.

“I apologize to the fans for putting our game in jeopardy, especially at such a difficult time for so many people.

“I apologize to my wife Amy for the pain I caused. I hurt you and the girls with my selfish and thoughtless actions.

“I am determined to become a better partner, father and protector, and hopefully restore trust and win back your love and our family.

“I will work hard every day to show my wife, my children, my team and the Rugby League community that I am not defined by my mistakes and that I will grow from it.”

His wife Amy was also quoted in a statement saying, “Although there have been painful lies and false statements in some media reports, I do not think it is in the best interests of our family to. commit to it.

“Api is a great father and while it has hurt me tremendously, I have no doubt that he will put in place the necessary strategies to learn from him and better who he is.”

NRL STATEMENT

The NRL issued its notice of violation on Friday evening.

“The National Rugby League (NRL) issued NSW Blues player Api Koroisau with a Notice of Violation for failing to comply with game biosecurity protocols during the state’s Game II camp,” a statement read .

“The notice proposes that Koroisau be fined $ 35,000 and suspended for 2 games to be served immediately. In issuing the proposed sanction, the NRL took into account that the alleged violation took place before more recent violations, including before a group of St George Illawarra Dragons players broke public health orders. of NSW and before Queensland player Jai Arrow violated the game’s biosecurity protocols. It also takes into account that the alleged violation took place shortly after an upgrade of biosafety protocols.

“It is alleged that Koroisau visited the hotel room of an individual who was not part of the team’s biosecurity bubble on June 27.

“The LNR provides ongoing social support to Koroisau’s family.

NRL CEO Andrew Abdo stressed that the governing body goes to great lengths to ensure there are no more violations.

“All of the club’s hotels, subject to quarantine orders, are currently closed from the public and monitored by 24-hour security,” he said.

“We are taking every precaution to make sure there are no breaches of protocols and to keep the Queensland community safe.

“The environment has changed rapidly since this breach and players understand the consequences of not following protocols.”

The Daily Mail reports that the woman in question claims to have met Koroisau through the social media platform Instagram and that they started sending messages in early June.

The woman claims they met twice while in the Blues camp, and had to meet a third time before Koroisau called it off after Queensland striker Jai Arrow was kicked out of the camp of the Maroons for bringing a woman against the rules.

It is reported that the woman contacted Koroisau’s wife to alert her to the alleged affair.

Foxsports.com.au contacted the NRL and Koroisau club Penrith on Thursday night after the allegations came to light, but the Panthers chose not to comment.

A spokesperson for the NRL said; “The NSWRL informed the NRL Integrity Unit of an alleged biosecurity violation after the Home State’s second game. The LNR Integrity Unit is currently investigating the matter ”.

The NRL has not confirmed the identity of the player or any other details.

CLEARLY CONFIDENT PANTHERS CAN MEET THE “CHALLENGES”

Meanwhile, Penrith Panthers coach Ivan Cleary is confident the drama surrounding Koroisau will not negatively impact the team’s office as premier.

Cleary was questioned at a press conference on Friday, before the sanction was handed down, whether he had been in contact with Koroisau.

“I spoke to Api,” he replied.

“I think it’s not really appropriate for me to comment on what he said and what he didn’t say, obviously the investigation is still ongoing. Once the NRL finalizes this, as a club we will issue a statement. “

It’s an unwanted distraction for the second-second Panthers who hope to do even better this season and lift the Provan-Summons trophy on the big final day.

However, calm Cleary wasn’t too worried when asked if the allegations and the investigation would affect her side.

“It’s definitely been a year of challenges anyway and these things are happening… it’s never a straight line to try to be successful, so we’re going to handle this pretty much like any other bump in the road,” he said. Cleary said.

Koroisau is named in the No.9 jersey for Penrith’s clash with Brisbane on Saturday, but that will now change.

“Until we know the penalties, if any, we’ll make an appeal.

“We have some unforeseen events in the team anyway with Mitch Kenny on the bench. Whatever happens, we will make a final decision once the NRL has made its decision. “

The Panthers face the Storm next week.

The club issued a statement Friday night saying they supported the sanction.

“Penrith Panthers recognizes and supports the NRL sanction imposed on Apisai Koroisau for a violation of NRL biosafety protocols,” one read.

“Apisai has expressed genuine remorse for his actions and understands the potential ramifications of his decisions on the viability of the game.

“Panthers give the Koroisau family all the necessary support and kindly ask the media to respect their privacy at this time. “