A North Queensland Cowboys player is in hot water after allegedly engaging in a sexual act with a married club staff member in an airport toilet.
The alleged sexual tryst occurred in a Qantas Lounge toilet on Father's Day in 2018 as the Cowboys were travelling to Townsville via Brisbane.
The NRL integrity unit has been accused of turning a blind eye to the extraordinary allegations, which were lodged more than a year ago.
The complaint was lodged by the husband of the woman involved, who claims the integrity until failed to property investigate the allegations, the Sydney Morning Herald reports.
A North Queensland Cowboys player is in hot water after allegedly engaging in a sexual act with a married club staff member in an airport toilet (stock photo not of the player involved)
Once the woman's husband learned of his wife's betrayal he was outraged and allegedly given Valium by a member of the club.
A letter sent to the integrity unit in October 2019 by the husband's lawyer, John Sneddon, claims Valium was given to him to 'help him cope with the shock' of the affair.
The North Queensland Cowboys issued a statement on the incident on Saturday afternoon.
'The North Queensland Cowboys are aware of a series of allegations published by the Sydney Morning Herald today,' the statement read.
'The club is providing its full support to the parties involved as their well-being is of utmost importance.
'As the NRL is currently investigating the allegations, it is not appropriate for the club or its connected parties to make any further comment.'
Sneddon claims he was told in early October the investigation was going to be 'progressed', citing the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency as the reason for delay.
The alleged affair caused the club staffer's marriage to break down, with the husband sending a text message to the wife of the player involved in late 2018.
'Name , I know you wouldn't like me texting you but I feel no one but you could understand how I am feeling. I only found out today his gets to keep her job at the Cowboys,' the devastated husband wrote.
The alleged sexual tryst occurred in a Qantas Lounge toilet on Father's Day in 2018 as the Cowboys were travelling to Towsnville via Brisbane (stock image not of the player involved)
The husband said he was 'so gutted' about the alleged cheating and said he 'lost everything' including his wife and family.
'I feel so worthless after what they have done but to know that they will still see each other at the club is so hurtful for me. I just can't believe they are covering the wife' tracks and will still let her travel with the team.
'I feel like no one gives a f**k about how we might feel about it.
'I guess I should just realise I am nobody and not important to anybody especially to his , the Cowboys and obviously the who felt my wife was also his property. I won't bother you ever again. I promise not to ring or text again. I am sorry.'
The NRL integrity unit told the Sydney Morning Herald a lack of co-operation was behind the delay.
'Where complaints are made to police or other regulatory bodies we are mindful not to prejudice or cut-across those processes with our own investigations,' said a spokesman for the NRL.
'The NRL will progress its investigation and is unable to provide further comment.'
