Dugan investigated over alleged COVID breach

The NRL integrity unit and NSW Police are investigating an alleged COVID breach by Cronulla centre Josh Dugan after he was twice stopped by officers in western NSW on Friday night.

"The NRL Integrity Unit is aware of the matter and is liaising with NSW Police and the club," an NRL spokesman said.

The Sharks are yet to make an official statement on the incident.

Dugan, who was fined $25,000 by the NRL for breaching the NRL's biosecurity protocols in June by visiting a Potts Points restaurant, did not travel to Queensland with the Sharks squad and has remained in Sydney.

However, the former representative star allegedly travelled to western NSW with a friend on Friday night and after being stopped by police at Lithgow they failed to obey an instruction to return home.

They were late stopped again by police near Bathurst.

"Officers from Chifley Police District were conducting patrols in Lithgow when they stopped a Jeep Cherokee at the intersection of Main Street and the Great Western Highway about 11.30pm yesterday (Friday 20 August 2021)," a NSW Police statement said.

"Police spoke to the driver, a 31-year-old man, and his passenger, a man aged 30. The men allegedly weren't wearing masks and checks revealed they were from Gymea and Alexandria.

"The driver allegedly told police they were moving to the area and were going to feed animals, however, later admitted they were heading to a friend's house for the weekend. They were directed to return home.

"About 40 minutes later, officers detected the same vehicle travelling away from Sydney towards Yetholme. The men were stopped and again directed to return to their homes. Charges are expected to be laid."

Under the NSW Public Health Order for the current COVID-19 outbreak, residents are not permitted to move outside their LGA or five kilometres from their home except for specific reasons, including work or to receive medical treatment.

Dugan, 31, is off contract with Cronulla at the end of the season and has been told that he is not part of the club's plans for 2022 under incoming coach Craig Fitzgibbon.