Rabbitohs coach Wayne Bennett and Dragons prop Paul Vaughan have both been stood down for 14 days after breaking the NRL's COVID-19 biosecurity protocols.
The NRL said the decision was made to put Bennett and Vaughan on a 14-day 'COVID hold' after they contravened NRL biosecurity protocols by dining seperately at restaurants.
Bennett and Vaughan must isolate from their respective squads for two weeks and test negative to COVID-19 at the conclusion of the COVID-hold before returning to their squads.
"We are living in extraordinary times and we must do everything in our power to ensure the health and safety of our players, staff and the general community," said NRL acting CEO Andrew Abdo.
“This is a regrettable decision but today’s actions will operate as an important reminder to our players and staff about the importance of strict adherence to the protocols.”
ARLC Commission chairman Peter V'landys has told AAP that Bennett and Vaughan's actions must be a wake-up call to everyone involved, given it places the whole game at risk.
Dragons CEO Ryan Webb said in a statement that the club was "upset" with Vaughan's judgement.
"Not only has he let the playing group and the entirety of our hard-working staff down but also our Red V members, partners and fans," Webb said.
For his part, Vaughan said: "I am very remorseful for the reckless and selfish decision I have made.
"Everyone within the Dragons' bubble, including myself, are well aware of the protocols in place. I'm sorry for the harm my actions have caused to the club and my teammates."
Frustrated McGregor laments Vaughan's 'selfish behaviour'
Kaide Ellis will come in to the Dragons side for the Thursday night clash with the Roosters at WIN Stadium.
Speaking on Thursday morning before the suspensions had been handed down, Bennett had conceded he breached the protocols by dining at an Italian restaurant in Sydney with his partner on Wednesday.
"I went for lunch yesterday at Grappa, I did. If it was a breach I wouldn't have done it. I didn't think it was a breach. I went with my partner who I live with, just me and her, had something to eat there and that was it," Bennett said.
"I go shopping, I go different places to get meals at times. It was just me and my partner who I live together with, she was with me and I went somewhere to have something to eat at lunchtime.
"It's a difficult time for everybody in Australia right now and the governments have done a really good job.
"As a club and as a game we've been really good ourselves. Have we been perfect? Probably not, but I think we've all tried and we're all supportive of it ... I'm sure we haven't been perfect with it. I'm sure we've had our moments, all of us."
Bennett's assistant Jason Demetriou will take charge of the team for the round 13 clash with Brisbane and also next week's game against the Cowboys.
