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The NRL Has Banned An Indigenous Woman From Playing Over Her Instagram Post About The Queen

The NRL alleges her comments "caused damage to the game."

by Lavender Baj  14 September 2022
caitlin moran

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The NRL has been slammed after serving Newcastle Knights fullback and Indigenous woman Caitlin Moran a one-match ban for an Instagram post she made about the death of the Queen.

The now-deleted Instagram post asserted that Friday was a “good fkn day” and called the Queen a “dumb dog”. It was up for approximately eight hours before being deleted.

In a statement released on Tuesday, the NRL alleged that Moran breached the NRLW Code of Conduct and that her comments were damaging to the game.

“Rugby league is an inclusive game and has a proud and strong relationship with many communities. Regardless of any personal views, all players and officials must adhere to the professional standards expected of them and on this occasion, the public comments made by the player have caused damage to the game,” the NRL’s statement read.

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Moran — who has also represented the Indigenous All Stars and the Jillaroos — is the first player in NRLW history to be banned for an off-field matter. She was also hit with a suspended fine worth 25 percent of her salary, and will be required to undergo an education program on appropriate social media use.

While the Knights coach and proud Gommeroi man, Ronald Griffiths came to Moran’s defence on Sunday — noting that “the relationship between Indigenous people and the monarchy is a complicated one” — the club has seemingly changed its tune following an investigation from the NRL Integrity Unit.

“The Newcastle Knights have today supported the National Rugby League Integrity Unit’s move to issue player Caitlin Moran with a one-game suspension and undisclosed fine, wholly suspended for a period of 12 months, in relation to a post she made on social media on Friday 9 September 2022,” the club said in a statement, confirming that Moran will not play in this weekend’s clash against the St George-Illawarra Dragons.

Critics such as Ray Hadley — who has repeatedly slammed “cancel culture” but suddenly has his nickers in a knot over an Instagram post — went so far as to assert that Moran’s comments were “perhaps the most reprehensible thing I’ve ever seen connected to rugby league.” His comments come despite the fact that allegations of rape, assault, distribution of child abuse material, and even murder have plagued the men’s league for decades.

However, many of Moran’s supporters have taken to social media to rubbish the punishment — noting that punishing an Indigenous woman for making a statement about the monarchy and colonisation is “horrific.”

Due to the NRLW’s short season, a one-game suspension rules Moran out for one-sixth of the competition and comes at a crucial time for the Knight’s finals hopes.

Social media users have also been quick to point out the league’s hypocrisy in making Moran serve her suspension immediately just days after confirming that NRL player Taylan May’s two-game ban (also for an off-field matter) would be suspended until next season so as to not impact the Penrith Panthers finals.

Moran has until next Tuesday to decide whether to accept the NRL’s findings.

Junkee has reached out to the NRL for further comment. The Newcastle Knights have confirmed they will not be making further statements at this time.

Photo Credit: NRL.com