No investigation NRL assures Souths

South Sydney CEO John Lee says the NRL has confirmed the club and its chairman Nick Pappas are not under investigation over a reference Pappas wrote.

A Fairfax Media report said the NRL asked the Rabbitohs for a “please explain” after Pappas provided a character reference for rapist Luke Lazarus.

Lee said the article suggested that the club and Pappas were under investigation by the NRL.

“This is entirely false according to the NRL which has confirmed this in writing to the club today,” said Lee.

“The club supports the NSW judicial system which allows for references to be submitted for convicted persons who are before the courts for sentencing.

“This is a course of action offered in most democratic jurisdictions worldwide.

“Mr Pappas wrote the reference as a private citizen, not on behalf of the club, and the club supports his right to do this.”

An NRL spokesman confirmed Souths had been approached for information on the matter after interest from the public.

He said the integrity unit had confirmed there was no investigation underway.

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