NRL Players Face Multiple Scandals Including Sextortion and Public Indecency in 2025

Multiple NRL players have been involved in serious incidents recently, showing a pattern of bad behavior. This is a big problem for the sport's image.
By Newsroom | Sports, Rugby League |

A series of incidents involving rugby league (NRL) players has come to light, ranging from alleged sextortion scams to public indecency and alcohol-related offenses. These events have drawn attention to the conduct of some high-profile figures within the sport.

See the VERY not-safe-for-work moment a footy great crashes an NRL star's house and finds him in the nude - 1

Background of Incidents

Over recent years, several incidents have been reported concerning NRL players and their behavior, both on and off the field. These reports include allegations of sextortion, involvement in leaked explicit videos, and instances of public misconduct.

See the VERY not-safe-for-work moment a footy great crashes an NRL star's house and finds him in the nude - 2

Details of Reported Incidents

  • Sextortion Allegation: A Sydney-based NRL player, who is reportedly single, sent a nude picture to a social media account. Following this, the account allegedly blackmailed the player, demanding a sum of $5,000. Footy personality Beau Ryan stated he knows the identity of the player involved and that the player contacted friends and family in distress. Ryan suggested the account be reported for sexual harassment.

  • Explicit Video Leak: A video, reportedly involving player Dylan Napa, surfaced online showing the player engaged in sexual activity with a woman. Reports indicated that the encounter was filmed by a third party. The Bulldogs club acknowledged awareness of alleged images of a player taken several years prior.

  • Public Indecency: Ex-AFL player Aaron James pleaded guilty to behaving indecently at a beach on the Mornington Peninsula. Court proceedings detailed allegations of him being seen "thrusting his hips" at a woman who was kneeling on the sand. Officers reportedly found James near beach cabins wearing only his underwear. He had also failed to appear in court previously, leading to a manhunt.

  • Crude Act on Camera: Beau Ryan, a former NRL player and media personality, was captured on a security camera performing a crude act in front of his radio boss's house. Ryan explained that renovations made finding a toilet difficult. The boss's Ring app on her phone reportedly captured the incident.

  • Disrespectful Behavior in Dressing Room: Footage emerged of Melbourne Demons player Steven May appearing to ignore captain Max Gawn's post-match speech following a loss to Collingwood. May was seen speaking to a teammate and reportedly arguing with Gawn shortly after the game.

  • Wardrobe Malfunction: Brisbane Broncos player Jesse Arthars had his pants pulled down on live television during a game. The incident went viral on social media, with many female fans commenting. Arthars reportedly laughed off the event.

  • Drink-Driving Incident: TV reporter James Hooper was involved in an incident where he allegedly crashed his vehicle into parked cars while reportedly more than five times the legal alcohol limit. Police allege he recorded a 0.253 alcohol reading. Hooper was sacked from his role at Fox Sports and stated he would seek professional treatment.

  • Las Vegas Revelations: Australian women's rugby league players Tiana Penitani and Kezie Apps revealed on a television program that the team had attended an all-male strip show in Las Vegas. The players suggested that such an admission would cause significant trouble for male players.

Broader Patterns of Misconduct

A comprehensive list of NRL scandals details numerous other incidents, including:

See the VERY not-safe-for-work moment a footy great crashes an NRL star's house and finds him in the nude - 3

  • Drunk and disorderly behavior: Instances of players urinating in public, fighting, and engaging in aggressive altercations have been documented.

  • Illegal activities: Reports include drug use, illegal substance smuggling, and threats of violence.

  • On-field altercations and unsportsmanlike conduct: Some players have faced penalties for biting opponents, engaging in brawls, and other aggressive actions.

  • Social media indiscretions: Several players have faced repercussions for inappropriate posts or content shared online, including violating COVID-19 protocols.

  • Vehicle-related offenses: Drunk driving, crashing loan cars, and abandoning vehicles have been noted.

  • Disrespectful acts: These range from public defecation to inappropriate interactions with fans and officials.

  • Exploitative behavior: Allegations include harassment and involvement in sexually explicit material.

Club Punishments

Reports suggest that NRL clubs implement various disciplinary measures for player misconduct. Practices such as "shark bait," a form of tough discipline for players arriving late to training, are mentioned. These punishments are intended to reinforce team standards and consequences for rule-breaking.

See the VERY not-safe-for-work moment a footy great crashes an NRL star's house and finds him in the nude - 4

Conclusion

The reported incidents highlight a recurring pattern of off-field misconduct among some NRL players. These events, ranging in severity, raise questions about player conduct, disciplinary measures, and the sport's public image. Further investigation into the specifics of each case would be necessary to ascertain full details and responsibilities.

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Sources

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What kind of scandals are NRL players involved in as of August 2025?
NRL players are involved in various scandals including a sextortion scam where a player paid $5,000, public indecency charges, and a drink-driving incident with a high alcohol reading of 0.253.
Q: Are there specific examples of player misconduct reported in 2025?
Yes, in August 2025, an ex-AFL player pleaded guilty to public indecency. In May 2025, Jesse Arthars had his pants pulled down on live TV. In October 2025, Beau Ryan was filmed doing a crude act at his boss's house.
Q: What are the consequences for NRL players involved in these incidents?
Consequences vary, with one player sacked from Fox Sports after a drink-driving crash. Other incidents involve club investigations and potential legal action, impacting players' careers and the sport's reputation.
Q: Have there been other types of misconduct reported among NRL players?
Yes, a list of NRL scandals shows a pattern of behavior including drunk and disorderly conduct, illegal activities like drug use, unsportsmanlike conduct, and social media indiscretions.
Q: What disciplinary actions do NRL clubs take for player misconduct?
NRL clubs use various disciplinary measures, such as 'shark bait' for players arriving late. These actions aim to reinforce team rules and show consequences for breaking them.