3 minute read
NSWRL chief executive Dave Trodden says the alleged State of Origin sex tape saga could be referred to police
NSW hierarchy have threatened to refer the State of Origin sex tape saga to police after vowing the ugly episode would not derail the Blues ahead of the series opener.
NSWRL chief executive Dave Trodden was angered after it was alleged that a video distributed online featuring two men engaged in sexual acts with a woman featured a current Blues star.
The prominent Blues player has denied the suggestion and the NSWRL say they are confident he is not featured in the 14-second clip which was distributed online and sent to media outlets on Monday.
The NRL integrity unit have been informed and are set to look into the issue.
The episode erupted two days out from Wednesday's series opener at Suncorp Stadium in what appeared to be a deliberate attempt to unsettle Brad Fittler's Origin champions.
Trodden promised an investigation into the matter once the team returned to Sydney on Thursday and said authorities could become involved.
"I think once the dust settles it might become a police matter," Trodden said.
"Because disseminating that sort of stuff and making allegations about people who are not connected with it and inferring they are connected with it, that's very serious stuff.
"And I would think it's the sort of stuff the police may well have an opinion on."
Trodden spoke at Suncorp Stadium minutes before before the side had their captain's run on Tuesday.
Blues coach Brad Fittler and players declined to comment on the issue during the side's pre-game press conference.
While it has created headaches for the NSWRL and Blues staff, Trodden said the incident had not caused a ripple within the team.
"It doesn't involve anyone in our team," Trodden said.
"I'm very confident it won't have any impact whatsoever.
"There's a particular allegation against one guy but it's not him, so he's fine."
Trodden also questioned the timing of the release of the video, saying it appeared to be an attempt to distract the side.
"I'm really disappointed that that would happen to anybody," Trodden said.
"It's a pretty disgusting thing to do to anyone in any circumstance. You just wonder what motivates people to do that. Yeah I'm angry about it."
