Canberra Raiders coach Ricky Stuart says the NRL needs to make an example of Wayne Bennett and anyone else who breaks their Apollo protocols because there's a multi-million-dollar industry at stake.
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He also dismisses the South Sydney coach's suggestions the protocols are confusing.
Stuart reminded his Raiders players of the biosecurity measures in place and what the consequences of breaching them were as they prepare to take on the ladder-leading Penrith Panthers at Penrith on Saturday night.
His comments came after Bennett admitted to potential multiple breaches of the protocols by eating at restaurants.
Bennett was part of the Project Apollo committee that set up the protocols in the first place - allowing the NRL to resume following the coronavirus lockdown.
But he claimed they were confusing because they were "changing all the time".
Bennett's been told to isolate for two weeks, after which he has to undergo a test for the COVID-19 virus before being allowed to return to the Rabbitohs bubble.
The NRL were still investigating and hadn't handed down any punishment as yet.
Bennett's revelations came as St George Illawarra prop Paul Vaughan also admitted to breaking the rules by visiting a cafe.
Stuart has spoken to his own group and revealed they were constantly reminded of them to the point where they felt like they were ramming it down their throats.
"They've got to make an example of it because everybody understands the rules and everybody is consistently made aware of it," Stuart said on Friday.
"I know our people here feel they're a nuisance because they're continually telling the boys.
"But I gave the guys another quick chat today because I know [football manager Matt Ford] and [football operations assistant Wendy Bennett] get a little bit concerned the boys are getting bored with it.
"But you can't get bored with it."
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Stuart said the rules were clear cut, but felt there was so much at stake it was worth ensuring the message hit home.
The NRL was only allowed to resume playing because of the strict measures in place.
They're designed to distance the Raiders and other clubs from the general public, where the coronavirus has started to circulate - especially in Victoria, but also in NSW and Queensland.
There are currently no active cases of the virus in the ACT.
"We know what [the rules] are. We all feel uncomfortable about it - I'd love to go the pub and have a beer with my mates, I'd love to go out to lunch or dinner with family - but you can't," Stuart said.
"These are just tough times at the moment and in the tough times you find out the true character of people.
"I just hope we don't get caught out with a mistake ... we've got to be understanding and mindful of what's at stake here.
"It's a multi-million-dollar business at stake here. We've got to be very mindful of that."
NRL ROUND 13
Saturday: Canberra Raiders v Penrith Panthers at Penrith Stadium, 7.35pm.
Raiders team: 1. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad, 2. Jordan Rapana, 3. Jarrod Croker, 4. Curtis Scott, 5. Nick Cotric, 6. Jack Wighton, 7. George Williams, 8. Josh Papalii, 9. Siliva Havili, 10. Dunamis Lui, 11. John Bateman, 12. Elliott Whitehead, 13. Hudson Young. Interchange: 14. Tom Starling, 15. Joe Tapine, 16. Ryan Sutton, 17. Corey Harawira-Naera. Reserves: 18. Sam Williams, 19. Michael Oldfield, 20. Kai O'Donnell, 21. Matt Frawley.
Panthers team: 1. Caleb Aekins, 2. Josh Mansour, 3. Brent Naden, 4. Stephen Crichton, 5. Malakai Watene-Zelezniak, 6. Jarome Luai, 7. Nathan Cleary, 8. James Tamou, 9. Api Koroisau, 10. James Fisher-Harris, 11. Viliame Kikau, 12. Liam Martin, 13. Isaac Yeo. Interchange: 14. Tyrone May, 15. Spencer Leniu, 16. Moses Leota, 17. Zane Tetevano. Reserves: 18. Mitch Kenny, 19. Matt Burton, 20. Billy Burns, 21. Daine Laurie.