Josh Addo-Carr has defended his camping trip with Souths star Latrell Mitchell, saying it was a “cultural gathering” where the pair were “learning about our land”.

In a statement to The Daily Telegraph, the Melbourne Storm flyer insisted there was no wrongdoing, despite one photo from the Taree trip clearly showing the group flouting social distancing guidelines.

“They’re my family mate, my cousins and two of my uncles,” Addo-Carr told The Daily Telegraph.

“I don’t know what to say. I came up here for my pregnant missus. She’s about to have a baby then spent some time with my family.

“It was cultural gathering. Learning about our land and our culture, learning how to hunt live off the land.”

The NSW Origin star’s comments come as the NRL responded to the furore surrounding the trip to the NSW mid-north coast area where Mitchell owns a property.

The league hit out at the players on Monday morning, calling their actions “unacceptable”.

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Josh Addo-Carr and Latrell Mitchell enjoy a camping getaway in Taree. Credit: Instagram

“Our players are role models and we expect them to lead by example during this pandemic,” the NRL statement read.

“On face value, the image in today’s media is both disappointing and an unacceptable breach of health orders. The NRL will be speaking to the players involved to seek further information and we will ensure the players provide any assistance authorities require.

“We are embarking on a significant education program to ensure our players understand what is acceptable behaviour ahead of the resumption of training.

Josh Addo-Carr and Latrell Mitchell on dirt bikes. Credit: Instagram

“When training resumes our players and officials must comply with biosecurity protocols that go further than current government restrictions.

“As a group, our players have taken government health orders very seriously and have helped educate the community. On face value, today’s matter is unacceptable and we support the government in any action they believe necessary.”

Police launch investigation

NSW Police has revealed it will investigate the camping trip after discovering potential social distancing breaches through media reports.

“I’ve seen the same reports in the media, of course police haven’t been backwards at all in taking complaints, commencing investigations and taking the appropriate action,” NSW Deputy Police Commissioner Gary Worboys said on Monday.

“So at this point in time we will wait and see in the fullness of time about where we go with that matter.

Josh Addo-Carr (l) and Latrell Mitchell are alleged to have breached social distancing rules. Credit: AAP

“The matter will be investigated, what action is taken will obviously fall out of that investigation.” Worboys said enquiries will be made about the matter by the local police commander in the Taree region.

“I have spoken this morning to the region commander at northern (Norther Region Police) and he will make himself aware of what’s on the back page of the paper and make some enquiries,” Worboys said.

Facing suspension

Senior NRL reporter Phil Rothfield revealed the players could be suspended by the NRL for the breach.

“We’ve still got selfish people like footballers camping while everyone else is in lockdown,” Rothfield told Big Sports Breakfast.

“It’s disappointing more than anything else that everyone else is facing sacrifices.

“There are so many jobs on the line — the whole competition depends on these players dodging coronavirus and staying fit and healthy.”