Josh Dugan allegedly breached COVID restrictions on road trip to the Central West

The NRL integrity commission has been made aware of the matter and has launched its own investigation after Dugan and another man were allegedly stopped by Chifley Police District officers at Lithgow about 11.30pm and near Yetholme, still travelling west, about 40 minutes later.

A statement from NSW police said charges were expected to be laid against the pair.

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"Officers from Chifley Police District were conducting patrols in Lithgow when they stopped a Jeep Cherokee at the intersection of Main Street and the Great Western Highway about 11.30pm yesterday (Friday)," the statement said.

"Police spoke to the driver, a 31-year-old man, and his passenger, a man aged 30. The men allegedly weren't wearing masks and checks revealed they were from Gymea and Alexandria.

"The driver allegedly told police they were moving to the area and were going to feed animals, however, later admitted they were heading to a friend's house for the weekend. They were directed to return home.

"About 40 minutes later, officers detected the same vehicle travelling away from Sydney towards Yetholme. The men were stopped and again directed to return to their homes. Charges are expected to be laid."

Chifley Police District offices have been running a 24/7 operation on the Great Western Highway to deter Sydneysiders from entering the Central West in breach of current COVID-19 restrictions.

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