NRL star Josh Addo-Carr appeals his fine for breaking social-distancing rules on an illegal moto cross and fishing trip – despite admitting to the breach
- Melbourne Storm player Josh Addo-Carr will contest his social distancing fines
- He will also argue against proposed sanctions by the NRL, including a match ban
- The footballer was caught hanging out with a large group at a farm in Taree
Melbourne Storm player Josh Addo-Carr will contest his fine and NRL sanctions for breaching social-distancing rules.
Addo-Carr joined South Sydney Rabbitohs player Latrell Mitchell at his farm near Taree in New South Wales last month.
Photos posted by Addo-Carr showed the pair with 10 other men around a fire, mountain biking and shooting guns prompting the NRL to label the pictures disappointing and unacceptable.
The men were fined for their actions as Addo-Carr was in breach of the social distancing rules for a second time.
However the 24-year-old has hired high-profile lawyer Elias Tabchouri to fight the fine and any potential sanctions from the NRL, according to the Sydney Morning Herald.
The NRL have proposed a $50,000 fine, of which 60 per cent would be suspended for the 2020 season, and a one match ban for Addo-Carr and Mitchell.
Melbourne Storm player Josh Addo-Carr will contest his fine and NRL sanctions for breaching social distancing rules
Addo-Carr’s legal team insist their client did not break the law as restrictions related to being in a public place, not private properties.
He also said his family were going through a tough time so he wanted to take them to the farm to get away.
At the time NSW government said you could not leave your home unless it was for an essential reasons such as care, exercise, going to work or school or collecting essential items such as groceries.
Photos posted by Addo-Carr showed the pair with 10 other men around a fire, mountain biking and shooting guns prompting the NRL to label the pictures disappointing and unacceptable
Addo-Carr’s legal team insist their client did not break the law as restrictions related to being in a public place, not private properties
Gatherings of more than groups of two were banned.
Addo-Carr’s legal battle has forced a delay in the NRL’s decision.
Last month, despite insisting there had been no wrong doing, Addo-Carr apologised.
At the time, a repentant Addo-Carr said ‘nothing was intentional or deliberate’ as he tried to ‘put a smile on the faces’ of family members going through a tough time.
Daily Mail Australia has contacted Josh Addo-Carr for comment.