The Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs and Parramatta Eels have taken differing approaches after safety concerns arose involving players with family connections to people publicly linked to an alleged gangland conflict in Sydney.
While the Eels have stood down NSW Cup winger Mohamed Alameddine indefinitely due to safety concerns, his brother Zain Alameddine was able to take the field for the Bulldogs' Ron Massey Cup side this weekend.
Neither Mohamed nor Zain Alameddine is accused of any wrongdoing, and there are no allegations linking either of them to organised crime.
Late last month, it was revealed that Mohamed Alameddine was stood down due to safety concerns relating to members of his extended family. Police have alleged members of the Alameddine organised crime network have been involved in a conflict with the rival 'Coconut Cartel' since the beginning of the year.
Police have linked the alleged conflict to a string of shootings and firebombings across Sydney.
An incident in April initially raised concerns over player and staff safety after police alleged a drone was used to surveil Ali Younes at a NSW Cup game.
Police allege Younes is a senior member in the Alameddine crime network.
Police alleged the surveillance formed part of a plot to kill a person associated with the Alameddine network at the game. According to police, individuals suspected of involvement in the alleged plot were seen near the ground before leaving the area.
It is understood police intercepted a car they believed was connected to the alleged plot, arresting three men at Homebush and seizing a long-arm firearm and a pistol.
Another incident in June prompted the Eels to stand down Mohamed Alameddine after a relative of the Alameddine family and a young girl were allegedly targeted by an armed man during a school pick-up in Sydney's west.
However, despite Mohamed being unable to take the field, his brother Zain featured for the Bulldogs' Ron Massey Cup side this weekend.
It is understood both the Bulldogs and Eels have been in communication with the NRL Integrity Unit, NSW Police and the NSWRL around the safety concerns.
Decisions on player selection amid safety concerns remain in the hands of each club.
The Bulldogs have taken a different approach to the Eels, with the club understood to have provided security for Zain Alameddine and security personnel liaising with police on match days.
Meanwhile, the Eels have stayed with their own decision not to allow Mohamed Alameddine to take the field, with the highly touted winger still able to remain in contact with his team and undertake an individual training program away from the club.
Neither brother is accused of any wrongdoing, and there are no allegations linking either of them to organised crime.
