England rugby league international Victor Radley has been hit with the heaviest suspension in Sydney Roosters history after the club ruled that his conduct had brought them into disrepute.
The 27-year-old forward, who has made nine appearances for England, has been banned for 10 matches without pay and ordered to donate £22,000 ($30,000) to St Vincent’s Hospital to support cancer research.
The unprecedented punishment follows reports in Australia that his name appeared in messages linked to fellow NRL star Brandon Smith, who is facing allegations of unlawfully supplying a dangerous drug and using or disclosing inside knowledge for betting.
Radley has not been charged with any criminal offence and there are no allegations of wrongdoing on his part.
However, Sydney Roosters said that the publicity generated by the case had damaged the club’s reputation and warranted firm action.
A statement from the Roosters read: “Sydney Roosters are aware of references in the media to communications allegedly between Sydney Roosters player Victor Radley and others in relation to allegedly obtaining an illegal substance.
“While Radley has not been charged by Queensland Police, the references in the media to communications allegedly between him and others have brought the Sydney Roosters into disrepute.
Victor Radley has accepted his punishment from the Sydney Roosters
|PA
“Consequently, following internal discussions with senior club officials and a meeting of the Roosters Board of Directors, the club will impose the following sanctions on Radley for the negative attention the allegations have brought to the club: a 10-match suspension without pay and a $30,000 donation to be made to St Vincent’s Hospital for cancer research.
“This represents the heaviest sanction ever imposed on a player in the club’s history. Victor Radley has accepted these sanctions and expressed his remorse.”
Radley, who has played for the Roosters since making his NRL debut in 2017, issued his own statement expressing regret and pledging to rebuild trust.
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“I want to sincerely apologise to the club, my teammates, our sponsors, members and fans for the negative spotlight I have brought on the Roosters,” he said.
“I accept the sanctions in full and will work hard to earn back the trust and respect of everyone who supports this great club.”
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Victor Radley's punishment follows reports in Australia that his name appeared in messages linked to fellow NRL star Brandon Smith (pictured)
|PA
The punishment means Radley will miss a significant portion of the Roosters’ campaign and will be unavailable for England selection during that period.
The case has caused a stir in Australian rugby league circles not only because of the severity of the punishment, but because it comes despite Radley facing no charges.
It underlines the Roosters’ determination to uphold their standards off the pitch and minimise reputational damage at a time when the sport has been hit by a string of off-field controversies.
Radley has been a key figure for the Roosters, winning three NRL premierships and building a reputation as one of the most physical and dynamic loose forwards in the game.