Junior Paulo caught playing park rugby

Parramatta Eels are set to investigate allegations that player Junior Paulo turned out for a relative’s rugby union club a day after playing in the NRL.

If confirmed, this would be a breach of the player’s contract.

It is alleged that he signed in under a fake name to play the last 20 minutes of Oatley Rugby Club’s 17-10 win over Beecroft at Evatt Park, Oatley.

Paulo’s brother-in-law coaches the third grade side. Paulo is also believed to have disguised himself, by wearing headgear.

Oatley club president Richard Rice did confirm that Paulo took part in the match, and that a club invesitgation into the matter would also be carried out by his club.

“I believe Junior is the coach’s brother-in-law. He was there to support the team and run water for them,” said Rice.

“We certainly do not want this sort of thing happening.

“It is what it is and I’m not sure how they expected to get away with it or why they did it. It is certainly going to be heavily frowned upon by both this club and the NSW Rugby Union.”

An NRL spokesman has confirmed that the Eels will be left to deal with the matter internally, with no league sanction for the player.