The NRL have issued a breach notice to Eels star Isaiah Iongi for “bringing the game into disrepute” after controversial photos surfaced last month.
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It comes after the Eels contacted the NRL integrity unit in late February when the photos of Iongi appearing to smoke a substance were shared on social media.
In the first image, Iongi appeared to be holding a pre-rolled paper in one hand while there was an unknown substance in what looks to be a blue herb grinder on the table.
In another image, Iongi appeared to be in a bathtub about to light a rolled cigarette.
The date when the images were taken is unknown.
It is understood that Iongi will receive a suspended one-game suspension.
On Monday afternoon, the NRL released a brief statement advising that the Eels star has “five days to respond”
“The National Rugby League (NRL) today issued Parramatta Eels player Isaiah Iongi with a Breach Notice alleging a breach of the NRL Code of Conduct following an NRL Integrity Unit investigation,” the statement read.
“The particulars of the Breach Notice, determined by the Independent Decision Maker (IDM), are that Iongi featured in imagery, which emerged publicly on 22 February 2026, which has brought the game into disrepute.
“Iongi has 5 business days to respond to the Breach Notice.”
Iongi had a breakout year in his first season with the Eels in 2025 after joining the club from Penrith, impressing enough to earn a long-term extension which will keep him at Parramatta until 2030.
“The club is aware of social media images circulating that involve one of its players,” the Eels said in a statement at the time.
“The club has notified the NRL Integrity Unit and will not be making any further comment at this stage.”
MANLY SKIPPER RUBBISHES DCE CLAIM
Manly skipper Tom Trbojevic has rubbished suggestions a relationship deterioration between he and Daly Cherry-Evans was a reason for the star halfback’s shock exit from the club.
As a Sydney Rooster, Cherry-Evans will head back to Brookvale this Thursday night to take on his former club at 4 Pines Park in what is a shaping up as a must-win game for both sides.
Trbojevic took over the captaincy following Cherry-Evans’ departure and says there’s no bad blood between the two at all.
“We’re good mates, I’ve got a great relationship with Chez,” Trbojevic said on Monday.
“I personally don’t recall that going around last year, but if it did, whatever.
“I’m not going to talk to him probably before the game, respectfully. I don’t need to talk to him before the game, but I’ll definitely talk to him after the game after we get a win, hopefully.
“I can understand all of that (the interest). He’s our most-capped player, and he’s coming back to play here so I can definitely understand it. But (our) relationship, there’s never any issue there.”
As for whether Manly fans should boo their former champion, the Sea Eagles fullback believes they should do the opposite give “what he’s done for the club”.
“He’s played 350-odd games for us and he’s been one of our all-time greats. I’m not going to tell the fans what to do, but I’d like to think they’re going to cheer him,” Trbojevic said.
“I can understand it (people booing) in a sense that he played for us and now he’s playing for a different club.”
Originally published as ‘Game into disrepute’: Star given breach notice; Manly skipper whacks DCE claim — NRL Daily
