NRL clamps down on clubs fielding
unregistered players

The National Rugby League has warned clubs they face the loss of competition points if they field unregistered players after slapping the Bulldogs with a $10,000 fine.

Dogs halfback Brett Oliver wasn't correctly registered with the NRL when he took the field as a replacement during his side's 50-4 thrashing of Melbourne at Sydney Showground yesterday. NRL chief executive David Gallop says in this case a fine is sufficient punishment because Oliver had been registered at the club through the New South Wales Rugby League.

Penrith copped a $10,000 fine for the same offence in June when fullback Steve Turner played first grade before his registration with the NRL had been finalised.