NRL issue Dragons breach notice

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The NRL has issued St George Illawarra with a breach notice proposing a fine of $10,000 over comments by its coach Paul McGregor last weekend.

The breach notice was issued following McGregor's post-match statements that decisions made by match officials were "embarrassing" and "incompetent".

"In simple terms, the rule is that coaches, players and officials should not discuss referees and their performances in the public domain," NRL Head of Football Brian Canavan said.

"We have been pragmatic in dealing with instances where comments have been made but the competence and integrity of referees has not been questioned.

"But it is our view that these particular comments crossed the line.

"All coaches should be aware that they risk sanctions if they discuss the performance of referees."

The Dragons have five business days to respond to the breach notice.

Dragons response to breach notice

Tue 1 Aug 2017, 3:30PM

St George Illawarra have been advised that coach Paul McGregor has been issued with a breach notice by the NRL following his comments regarding match officials post the Round 21 match against the Newcastle Knights last Saturday.

NRL rules state that "No Club, Club Official or Player shall, on a public occasion, comment on or with respect to the performance of a Match Official".

The Dragons have five business days to respond to the breach notice and will be making no further comment at this time.