The men, Damon Finn, Connor Marsh and Reece Laria — who are believed be friends of Panthers player Nathan Cleary — allegedly travelled into the Sunshine State using an incorrect border pass to cheer on their mate from the sidelines.
According to media reports, Mr Marsh, Mr Cleary and Mr Laria are roommates and it is understood the trio live together at a Penrith share house.
Queensland Health Minister Yvette D’Ath today said the men may have been using an ‘F’ pass.
“They may have been travelling on an F pass and that may not have been a valid pass for them to have,” she said.
“If you are sneaking across borders you are putting the community at risk.
“It doesn’t matter the reason you are coming over.”
Queensland Police allege the trio crossed the state border last Saturday using the pass, then went on to view the game.
9News is not suggesting Mr Cleary knew of the alleged breaches.
The 23, 24 and 25-year-old came under the attention of officers after posting a since-deleted photo to social media allegedly partying on the Gold Coast.
They were intercepted at a hotel yesterday, fined more than $4000 each and ordered to return to Sydney.
The NRL integrity unit will speak to Nathan Cleary early next week to determine if he was aware of his friend’s breach.
If found to be involved, officials aren’t ruling out their own sanctions on the Penrith co-captain
NSW Police have since confirmed they are investigating if more friends also travelled to Queensland illegally.
