NRL club’s chairman steps down over controversial support of ex-Wigan Warriors man during court case

Former Wigan Warriors star Brett Finch is currently awaiting to receive the verdict of his recent court case in which he pleaded guilty for one count of using a carriage service to transmit, publish or promote child abuse material.

The former State of Origin half could face time in prison.

During the court case, Finch revealed that he was only using the site in question, FastMeet, in order to acquire drugs as he was again struggling with addiction during the pandemic.

Meanwhile, St George Illawarra Dragons Chairman Craig Young provided a personal reference during the case but oddly chose to write this on the club’s letterhead seemingly insinuating that the club shared his support for Finch.

The club released a statement saying that it was Young’s support alone and Young apologised.

However, Young has now stepped down from his role as Chairman after increasing pressure over the last week.

He released this statement on the club website:

“I believe it is in the best interests of the club – the interests I have always proudly sought to work for and positively represent.

“I believe this is the appropriate action, given my individual decision to provide a personal reference on official letterhead, for which I have already apologised.

“I regret my error in judgement to provide the reference on letterhead, at the request of legal representatives.

“I do not regret my decision to provide a character reference for a long-time family friend as to his character and behaviour, prior to a damaging addiction.”

WIN CEO Andrew Lancaster will step into the role of Chairman, a position he was scheduled to take up in November as part of the joint venture agreement.