Lane set to be fined but escape ban over Mad Monday incident

Parramatta Eels backrower Shaun Lane is expected to be hit with a fine for bringing the game into disrepute following an NRL investigation into images that surfaced on Monday night.

The NRL launched an investigation earlier in the week after being made aware of an image of Lane holding a plastic bag with a white substance during what is believed to be the Sea Eagles’ Mad Monday celebrations last year.

However NRL.com understands Lane denied being in possession or consuming an illegal substance.

It’s believed Lane has a clean record throughout his career despite numerous NRL-sanctioned random recreational drug testing.

Lane, who sent the image in a private message, didn’t give consent for the photo to be disseminated - which could open the door for potential legal options.

The Eels backrower has been named in Brad Arthur’s team to play against the Titans this weekend and is likely to play if the NRL slaps him with a warning and a fine for bringing the game into disrepute.

"How many times has Ryles had the luxury of playing the exact same players week after week? Generally there are injuries or poor form demanding change in the team. Imagine what Ryles could do with a consistent team? One where players know what the…"

"I have gravel down. I have started distributing the paver sand. I will let you know of the latest developments as they unfold, given your interest in the subject. "

"HOE, at what point does the club actually need to start holding people accountable, or playing the blame game as you call it?. How many more seasons of poor to bad R&R before the club needs to take action, is it 1, 2, 3 or more or is there even a…"

Replies

Kenny Power August 13, 2019 at 9:12pm

Good news, was scared NRL was going to ty make a example of him due to being a parra player , but I think it helped for once all the journos were saying fine and not trying to make it that he should be suspended
- Dave > Kenny Power August 13, 2019 at 9:45pm
  
  Parra fans do love a conspiracy
  - Nitram > Dave August 14, 2019 at 8:25am
    
    It's not just Parra fans. Go on any fan forum they all say stuff like this, haha. Don't get me wrong there "could" be some bias, corruption, underworld influences etc that creep into our sport on occasion, but I highly doubt there is some sophisticated secret NRL meetings discussing how to bring Parramatta down like some on here would suggest.
    - ParraTime > Nitram August 14, 2019 at 8:41am
      
      League operators are way to stupid to come up with such a plan
      - Rob Ardill > ParraTime August 14, 2019 at 12:22pm
        
        I think that Hanlon's razor applies to rugby league administrators, almost without exception:
        
        "Never attribute to malice that which is adequately explained by stupidity"
        
        Sir Col "THE NODDY MUSHROOM" > Rob Ardill August 14, 2019 at 1:32pm
        
        Probably the most inteligent comment in this whole pathetic saga Rob.
    - Kenny Power > Nitram August 14, 2019 at 12:34pm
      
      It's not a conspiracy against parra , it's more that they give a punishment to the likes of parra as wont affect support team gets from fans but select clubs don't get the punishment for same offences
      
      ie, one club last year benefitted from ceo providing character reference , phone scandal no punishment , whilst other clubs for same offences would not get that support or get off with not even a fine for a phone scandal
Kevin Flynn August 13, 2019 at 9:14pm

Commonsense prevails! Now go after the scumbag who leaked to the media and name the a..hole! Let’s see how they handle the heat......
Hell On Eels August 13, 2019 at 9:39pm

Well this is great news if true. Commonsense prevails.
Wile E. Coyote August 13, 2019 at 9:50pm

Didn’t Napa just get a fine and they said any future images videos that were time stamped post Napa would be treated with ban but not ones taken prior. Well this was prior so should not be more severe than Napa