Penrith Panthers’ four-try debutant hero Charlie Staines stood down for biosecurity breach – NEWS.com.au

Penrith Panthers four-try debutant Charlie Staines has been dramatically stood down from the NRL after a biosecurity breach after his stunning debut on Saturday.After his spectacular debut, the 19-year-old reportedly hosted 10 visitors at his place of residence, including his parent, sister, his partner’s parents and four friends.
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NRL players can currently host 10 people per day but only in groups of no more than five according to current biosecurity rules.
It’s a cruel blow for the young star who had been upgraded from a development contact earlier this year after it was clear he was headed for a first grade career and the Panthers are hoping to lock the Forbes product up beyond this season.
And with some back line injuries, including Brian To’o out for some time, Staines was looking for a decent stint in the backline.
Staines also took a trip to the hospital at 2.30am on Sunday for treatment for lockjaw an ailment he’s suffered previously, including during the NRL preseason.
He was stood down from playing and training after not informing the club of his visitors or his medical treatment.
“Charlie has been extremely naive on this occasion and inadvertently breached the protocols that are in place to protect the game,” Panthers CEO Brian Fletcher said in a statement on the Panthers’ website.
“His misunderstanding of the specifics of the guidelines cannot be overlooked, nor can his failure to contact the club before seeking medical treatment for his jaw condition.
“The club and Charlie will now work closely with the NRL to ensure all necessary steps are taken to rectify the situation.”
It was a fantastic weekend for Staines who starred in the 56-24 win over the Sharks on the weekend, celebrating his four tries by pointing to his friends who followed the youngster to the corner he was attacking throughout the match.
Staines wasn’t the only debutant to breach the biosecurity rules with Eels prop Stefano Utoikamanu placed into a COVID-19 hold after he was caught on camera hugging people in the stands after Parramatta’s win over the Knights on Sunday.
Similarly, the Bulldogs’ Jake Averillo will be stood down for two weeks in self-isolation after his parents, who he lives with, visited the Crossroads Hotel in Casula, which has become COVID-19 cluster in NSW.
NRL head of football Graham Annesley said the situation in Victoria and recent cases in NSW saw the league needing to remind clubs of how serious the COVID-19 situation still is.
“At this stage there‘s no need to re-impose those (bio-security measures) that were loosened but it’s an ongoing situation,” Annesley said. “We act entirely on their advice and if we have to re-impose tougher conditions then we’ll do that.”

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