The Rugby League Players’ Association has implored the NRL not to suspend Dylan Napa, warning the punishment could increase the chances of players being blackmailed or exploited through the illegal sharing of videos that were meant to be private.

Napa’s immediate playing future remains clouded after lewd video footage of the Canterbury recruit was circulated on social media last month. NRL chief executive Todd Greenberg has foreshadowed harsher penalties for those who bring the game into disrepute and there is a growing expectation Napa will be suspended for the opening rounds of the season.

Caught on camera: Bulldogs player Dylan Napa addresses the media about his lewd videos. Credit:Janie Barrett

Some of the biggest names in the game have been involved in off-field incidents during the summer, prompting Greenberg to describe the off-season as a “train wreck”. While RLPA chief executive Ian Prendergast backed the strong stance from head office, he believes it would be unfair to make an example of Napa.

“We don’t support a suspension being handed down in relation to Dylan’s conduct,” Prendergast told The Sun-Herald.