Bulldogs players during 2012 Mad Monday celebrations. Source: Craig Greenhill / News Limited
EVERY NRL player and official is on notice to behave during their clubs' traditional Mad Monday celebrations this season.
As the top eight clubs switch their focus to the finals race, this weekend also signals the end of the 2013 season for the likes of St George Illawarra, Penrith, Canberra, Parramatta and the Wests Tigers.
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After the battering the game received following the Canterbury Bulldogs' end-of-season embarrassment last year, NRL Integrity Unit chief operating officer Jim Doyle has moved to ensure this year's Mad Monday is void of a similar scandal.
The Bulldogs erased the gloss off their stellar season due to a foul-mouthed rant against a female TV reporter.
In an email sent to all 16 NRL club chief executives, Doyle strongly reminded every club and their players they must adhere to the NRL's strict code of conduct, while also warning of the use of social media, including Twitter and Facebook.
"As we are all no doubt aware, there have been various issues over the years with respect to incidents occurring out of 'Mad Monday' celebrations that have had a negative impact on our brand and reputation," Doyle wrote.
"We are mindful that this weekend marks the time of the year when some NRL and NYC teams will be concluding their seasons, with some of course, playing and finishing in the weeks ahead for those who have qualified for semi-finals.
"Please ensure all players and staff are fully aware of the NRL's expectations and the absolute requirement to adhere to our code of conduct. Please also remind your players of the risks associated with social media.
"I look forward to your cooperation and support in making these events a fun, socially acceptable and responsible end of season celebration."
The NRL has a long history of Mad Monday disgraces, ranging from the serious (Robert Lui assaulting his then pregnant girlfriend) to the disgusting (Joel Monaghan's lewd act with a teammate's dog).
Doyle's warning has already taken effect at the Wests Tigers, with chief executive Grant Mayer printing a copy of the email for every player and official set to attend Mad Monday.
Mayer also confirmed Tigers players would be accompanied by a police officer, hired by the club, to ensure both the welfare of the players and public were protected.
"We take it seriously, I know exactly what they're doing and where they're going," Mayer said.
"Sure, it's a day for the players to enjoy after a long, tough season, but they certainly will all be reminded about their responsibilities as players of our club and our game.
"We will have an officer with the players throughout the entire day. It's a safeguard measure which is as much about the players enjoying themselves as it is ensuring that we don't have any issues."
And if the NRL needed a reminder of just quickly things can go wrong, they got it from the AFL last Monday when St Kilda's Clinton Jones went one step too far by setting alight a dwarf entertainer.
Following an Integrity Unit investigation into the Bulldogs' behaviour during last year's hijinx, Canterbury players agreed to pay most of the $30,000 NRL-imposed "donation" to a charity.
In a recent interview, new Canterbury CEO Raelene Castle said she had no intention of cancelling this year's Mad Monday once the Dogs bow out of the finals race.
"I'd be a brave girl to come in here and say we're not having a Mad Monday," Castle said.
"We've already had conversations about it, we're making plans to ensure the players tick the boxes and the media get what they need, because that's important.
"I absolutely believe, in the same way I'm allowed to have a beer and to celebrate, so should they. But we need to make sure we're in a safe environment to do that."
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