The NRL has fined the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs’ NRL-owned club—along with coach Jason Meninga and the Wests Tigers’ representation mentioned in reporting—for comments that breach the NRL’s new anti-tampering “Gus rule.” Multiple outlets report the penalty follows remarks by Meninga indicating an intention to target two of the Bulldogs’ highest-profile players to sign with a club controlled by the NRL. The NRL’s “Gus rule” is designed to deter clubs from approaching or encouraging players through statements that could be seen as recruiting or poaching, particularly where the wording suggests direct targeting of specific stars. The reported fine is $40,000. Coverage also notes the wider context of the NRL’s position, describing the situation as effectively involving the league itself because of the ownership structure of the relevant club(s). Across the reports, the core issue is the same: the NRL considers the coach’s public comments to be in breach of the league’s anti-tampering framework and applies the corresponding financial penalty.