Canterbury Bulldogs players Corey Harawira-Naera and Jayden Okunbor have an extension until next Tuesday to respond to NRL breach notices over the sex scandal that has rocked the club.
The Bulldogs put in a request to the NRL for an extension on Tuesday's 5.30pm deadline, due to the serious nature of the allegations against the disgraced duo, who are suspended indefinitely.
Determined to fight for their NRL careers, Kiwis international Harawira-Naera and Okunbor now have a further five business days to show cause why they should not face further punishment, including deregistration.
They have been stood down from all club duties for taking teenage schoolgirls back to the team hotel for sex, while in camp with the Bulldogs in Port Macquarie last month, breaking the game's code of conduct.
Their actions are not subject to a criminal investigation.
The pair are bracing for heavy penalties and have not been training with the team, as they await their fate, which could take up to a fortnight to decide.
With the NRL set to continue into round two, the case is an added distraction for the Bulldogs, who are also dealing with the uncertainty of the NRL during the coronavirus pandemic.
The Bulldogs will host North Queensland at ANZ Stadium on Thursday night in the first game behind closed doors.
"We're really united in our playing group and in our club," said coach Dean Pay on Wednesday. "We've had some different things come up over the last few weeks and we're dealing with those.
"We just want to make sure that tomorrow is about playing against the Cowboys and we play really well tomorrow."
AAP
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