Rugby league winger receives death threats for dropped balls in important clash

It’s one thing criticising a player for a mistake during a game in the heat of battle, it’s another taking to social media to abuse him or her.

Well, that’s what has happened to South Sydney Rabbitohs star Jaxson Paulo who endured a disappointing game against reigning champions on Thursday evening.

The Souths winger dropped a number of balls in great field position, but, whilst his teammates and the majority of supporters were supportive towards the rookie, the same cannot be said of everyone.

Blake Solly – Rabbitohs chief executive – expressed his complete support for Paulo.

“It’s outrageous because no player or anyone in society should be subjected to that,” Solly told the Sydney Morning Herald. “If Jaxson would like to take further action he has our 100 per cent support. We will work with Jaxson, his management and the relevant authorities, both of them, just as we have with other players in the past.

“Every member, fan, player and staff want to win games. In my time I’ve never seen an NRL player not try their absolute best. So for that sort of abuse and those threats to be made, it’s unacceptable.

“‘JD’ [Demetriou] and the senior players have already spoken with Jaxson and are supporting him. That is a mark of the quality of the coaches and playing group we are fortunate to have at the Rabbitohs.”

Paulo missed out on two tries due to errors and ending up losing Penrith star Sean O’Sullivan’s kick which led to Liam Martin’s game-winner, but Demetriou said he would talk to him after the difficult game.

“Against the best teams that’s the level that you’ve got to get to,” Demetriou said. “As a young bloke you understand every error has an impact on the game.”

It will now be up to Paulo if he wants to make an official complaint to police.