Embattled Bulldogs playmaker Lachlan Lewis may be forced to search for other employment options should the NRL take measures to block him earning a new deal within the competition.
Lewis, 25, was sensationally stood down by the Dogs last week after he was caught trying to sell a speaker on eBay.
The stolen item was said to be a gift to the club from the league.
Although the impending wooden spooners had already released a statement last Friday night in the wake of Lewis' theft, Channel Nine league reporter Danny Weidler claimed that the Queensland-born back is set to face further scrutiny after damning footage of the event was found.
Speaking on Tuesday morning, Weidler was at a loss as to why a high paid contemporary player would see a need to pilfer a gifted product.
โWhen you hear about it you think โwhat the hellโ,โ Weidler said.
โLachlan Lewis is on $450,000 why is he taking a sound bar? I wish it wasnโt serious but I think the NRL are taking it seriously.
โThereโs CCTV with Lachlan Lewis in the hotel with a hood on and a mask on his face taking this thing."
The veteran scribe claimed that although there was no denying Lewis' involvement, the half could be saved by the fact that the speaker was never actually purchased by an outside party.
โThe only thing thatโs maybe saving him from further drama is that the transaction never went through, there was no exchange of goods," Weidler continued.
With his time at Canterbury seemingly over, Lewis is currently said to be seeking a contract elsewhere in the league. However, Weidler believed that the baby faced Bulldog was unlikely to find many suitors for his services.
โHeโs off contract and at the moment I donโt know if heโs getting a new club,โ Weidler said in finality.
โEven if he does the NRL might not register a contract for him given whatโs happened, thatโs how seriously theyโre taking it.
โIf Latrell was the biggest on field story, this is the wackiest, itโs bizarre. Itโs the last thing that club needed after Adam Elliott.โ
The Lewis-less Bulldogs are set to complete their dismal 2021 campaign against Wests on Sunday afternoon.
The former powerhouse has already sewn up their first spoon since 2008, after claiming just a pair of wins so far this season.
