The National Rugby League (NRL) is a major sporting institution in Australia, with a history filled with both triumphs and controversies. Recently, a pressing question has dominated discussions across the country: Who is the NRL player under investigation? Australians are deeply invested in these cases, given the complexities of legal inquiries and their impact on the sport.
This article provides a comprehensive update on the ongoing investigations, the NRL Integrity Unit’s role, and how these cases may affect players, teams, and fans.
Players who are under Investigation
As of 1 February 2025, several current and former NRL players are under investigation for a range of legal issues in Australia. These allegations vary from drug-related offences to physical assault and gambling violations. Below is the latest information regarding each case.
Ezra Mam (Brisbane Broncos)
Ezra Mam is a 21-year-old player for the Brisban Broncos. He has been accused of driving a car without a license. He was driving when he was drunk leading a car crash in Bardon, Brisbane, on October 18, 2024. Then roadside drug test happened and he failed by all accounts because the reports of hospital tests confirmed the presence of drugs. Now he is organized to appear in court on December 16, 2024.
Wendell Sailor (former NRL player)
Former NRL star Wendell Sailor was charged with assault following an incident at a Sydney bar on 6 November 2024. He allegedly assaulted two individuals and threatened a third after being asked to leave the venue. Sailor is currently negotiating with police to have the charges dropped.
AJ Brimson (Gold Coast Titans) – cleared
AJ Brimson was previously under investigation after posting a screenshot of a betting win from the Melbourne Cup on his Instagram stories. This raised concerns over potential gambling violations.
However, after further investigation, the NRL Integrity Unit cleared Brimson, confirming that he was not involved in any betting on NRL games.
Josh Addo-Carr (Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs)
Josh Addo-Carr belongs to the Canterbur-Bankstown Bulldogs team. He is under inspection for testing positive for cocaine during a test of a roadside drug. The results of tests are under more examination and Addo-Carr has not yet been accused. The Bulldogs are waiting for further test reports, information, and details, and then they will decide if he will play upcoming matches or not.
Taylan May (Penrith Panthers)
Taylan May is facing allegations of domestic violence, including two counts of intimidation.
Under the NRL’s no-fault stand-down policy, May has been suspended from playing. Additionally, he was arrested in August 2024 for allegedly breaching an apprehended violence order (AVO).
Sandon Smith (Sydney Roosters)
Sydney Roosters’ player Sndon Smith has been charged due to careless driving. It caused serious injury and also a multi-car crash on March 31, 2024 in Sydney.
Valentine Holmes (North Queensland Cowboys)
Valentine Holmes is under investigation after posting a photo on social media showing a white bag in his mouth.
The NRL Integrity Unit has issued a breach notice, stating that his actions brought the game into disrepute. The investigation is still ongoing.
Joshua Curran (Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs)
Joshua Curran has been charged with reckless physical assault and causing serious injury from an incident in October 2022.
He has been granted conditional release but is still required to appear in court. Curran recently signed a two-year contract with the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs.
Read also: Who is the QLD player under investigation?
The NRL Integrity Unit: Role and responsibilities
The NRL Integrity Unit is an exclusive team. Its responsibility is to maintain the standards and reputation of the league. The NRL Unit plays a very important role in looking at the behaviours of players and inquiring the possible violations. In this way, the team is working to maintain the credibility of the league. Here’s a little information about the duties of the Integrity Unit:
- Investigation of misbehaving: The unit properly inquires about the report of a player’s misconduct with other players or team members. If necessary, the unit takes help with law application.
- Recommendation of discipline: If during the investigation the Unit finds that any player or club disobeys the rules, it can fine or arrest the player or club. It can also take disciplinary actions against the team or player.
- Education of player: The Integrity Unit also educates the player on acceptable manners. In this way, the players know about the future results of their actions on the team or league.
Media coverage and public reactions
NRL scandals often dominate Australian sports media, shaping public perception and influencing league decisions.
The role of the media:
Impact on fan loyalty – Frequent scandals can damage fan trust, particularly when they feel that the league is not taking enough action against misconduct.
Investigative reporting – Australian media closely follows NRL investigations, providing detailed updates.
Public reactions – Fans often express strong opinions, supporting or criticising players through social media, talk shows, and online forums.
Possible outcomes of NRL investigations
Different results are possible after the investigation. It depends upon the seriousness issue and the detection of the Integrity Unit. Here are some common outcomes of the investigation:
Clearing of charges: The player gets clear of charge if the investigation tells that there is no wrong thing done by the player.
Actions of discipline: If a player has done a little misconduct, he may pay a fine or take a required training. In some cases, the player may get a temporary suspension.
Suspension or removal: The league may suspend or remove the player if the crime is serious and this thing may affect the career of the player badly.
Recovery programs: The cases in which substances used or behavioral issues are involved, players may be required to attend the mending programs as a punishment.
Conclusion
The question “Who is the NRL player under investigation?” is more than just a list of names—it reflects broader issues of integrity, responsibility, and ethics in professional sports.
While these investigations disrupt the league, they play a crucial role in preserving the NRL’s reputation. By holding players accountable for their actions, the NRL ensures that the values of fairness, honesty, and professionalism remain at the heart of the sport.
For the latest updates, stay informed through official sources such as the NRL website, news reports, and Integrity Unit announcements.
