LeagueNews.co | Cooper McEnroe
The New Zealand Warriors have confirmed that the NRL integrity unit is investigating an alleged incident that took place during halftime of the club's Round 1 loss to the Canberra Raiders in Las Vegas.
A journalist from the Guardian, identified as John Davidson, claimed he was grabbed by the throat and verbally abused by Warriors assistant coach Richard Agar as the coaching staff walked through the press box to the players' change rooms.
The journalist reported the incident to the NRL, and a witness has backed up his story.
In response to the allegations, the Warriors released a brief statement acknowledging the situation.
The club did not provide any further details about the incident or the actions they are taking in response to it.
The NRL integrity unit is expected to conduct a thorough investigation to determine the facts of the incident and take appropriate action if necessary.
The seriousness of the allegations has caused concern among fans and officials, as physical altercations and verbal abuse have no place in professional sports.
The incident has cast a shadow over the Warriors' performance in the game against the Raiders and has raised questions about the conduct of coaching staff members.
The Warriors have a reputation for promoting respect and sportsmanship, and the alleged incident is not consistent with the values of the club.
Fans and stakeholders are eager to see how the club handles the situation and what steps will be taken to address any wrongdoing that may have occurred.
The NRL has a strict code of conduct that all players, coaches, and officials are expected to adhere to, and any breaches of this code are taken very seriously.
The investigation into the alleged incident will be thorough and transparent, and the findings will determine what actions, if any, need to be taken to address the situation.
Overall, the Warriors have acknowledged the seriousness of the allegations and are cooperating with the NRL integrity unit as they look into the matter.
The outcome of the investigation will likely have implications for the club and its coaching staff, as they work to uphold the values of integrity and professionalism in the sport of rugby league.