'Had enough': Sad image sums up Brisbane Broncos 'trainwreck'
Brisbane Broncos fans have officially had enough.
The club’s unrelenting dramas show no signs of stopping, winning one of their last 11 NRL games and facing a hefty penalty after another potential COVID-19 bubble breach.
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Up to 10 players enjoyed a pub lunch at the Everton Park Hotel on August 1 under the assumption it was permissible under the relaxed Project Apollo protocols at the time.
Queensland police concluded their investigation on Thursday and found no breach of general public health directions, but the NRL is still to determine whether the lunch broke the code’s own strict guidelines.
Multiple reports claim the players were drinking heavily and playing pokies - which would be a breach.
As the club hit the training paddock on Thursday, a number of fans showed their disgust.
One fan reportedly walked up to the front doors of club headquarters at Red Hill and threw a signed jersey onto the ground, walking away and leaving it there.
And according to Channel 7 reporter Chris Garry, another fan yelled at staff members for allegedly joking about the Everton Park Hotel incident.
Garry said the fan yelled: “This isn’t funny anymore.”
Broncos fans have had enough! A supporter just threw a signed jersey at the club.
Earlier, Broncos staff were joking about Everton Park Hotel - fans watching on yelled at them “this isn’t funny anymore.” pic.twitter.com/kCR7o1viVK— Chris Garry (@ChrisGarry7) August 13, 2020
More drama at Broncos. An angry fan has arrived at headquarters, thrown his jumper on the ground and walked away.
Sums up the sad Broncos saga. pic.twitter.com/QTIaYZWBLX— Pete Badel (@badel_cmail) August 13, 2020
Making matters even worse, young gun Xavier Coates was carried off the field at Thursday’s training with a leg injury.
The emerging winger's form has been one bright spot in a tumultuous season.
Tevita Pangai Jnr has already been hit with a $30,000 fine and indefinite removal from the code’s bubble for his barber shop visit last Saturday, while trainer Allan Langer is among three staff stood down after attending another private function at the Caxton Hotel.
And coach Anthony Seibold is also in a 14-day COVID-19 hold after attending to a private family matter in Sydney after last weekend's game.
Broncos legend and current board member Darren Lockyer described the last week as a “trainwreck”.
Broncos defend players’ pub visit
The Broncos said on Wednesday the group lunched with the understanding they were not breaking protocols under what were relaxed Project Apollo rules at the time.
They had gathered to mark the end of their 14-day hard lockdown following a 48-0 mauling against Wests Tigers in Sydney on July 17.
Rules allowed players in Queensland teams, when they haven't played in Sydney in the past 14 days, to dine at cafes and restaurants, but not attend pubs.
However, restaurants within pubs were okayed, as long as players remain within that area and seated at a table with their own group.
“The players were of the understanding that lunch at the hotel was permissible under the more-relaxed restrictions which they were under at the time,” the Broncos statement read.
“The club has been working closely with the NRL and provided a range of information as requested, and is awaiting a determination.”
with AAP
