Parramatta star Isaiah Iongi has been referred to the NRL Integrity Unit after photos surfaced appearing to show him smoking a mystery substance.
The club contacted the NRL after the images started circulating on social media.
One of the photos seems to show the 22-year-old adding an unknown substance from a herb grinder to a roll-your-own cigarette while sitting at a table.
Other images show Iongi in a bathtub holding a lighter underneath the cigarette, then appearing to smoke it in a dark room.
It is not known who took the images, or when or where they were taken.
The photos were published on social media without the star’s consent, according to the Sydney Morning Herald.
Pictured: An image appearing to show Parramatta Eels fullback Isaiah Iongi adding an unknown substance to a roll-your-own cigarette
Another image seems to show Iongi preparing to smoke the cigarette in a bathtub
Parramatta has contacted the NRL about the images and Iongi has been referred to the league’s Integrity Unit
‘The club is aware of social media images circulating that involve one of its players,’ the Eels said in a statement.
‘The club has notified the NRL Integrity Unit and will not be making any further comment at this stage.’
Iongi is regarded as an up-and-coming talent by the Eels after starring in 21 matches for the club last year, scoring eight tries and notching 12 try assists.
He was also selected to represent Tonga at the Pacific Championships in 2025.
Iongi has stepped into the fullback role that was previously filled by fan favourite Clint Gutherson, who switched to the Dragons last year.
He performed so well that he was named the Eels’ rookie of the year, and was also named the club’s fan favourite as he also took out the Blue & Gold Army Player of the Year award.
Iongi signed a contract extension in December and is now contracted to the club until the end of the 2030 season.
‘This past year has been surreal,’ he said after putting pen to paper.
Iongi was named Parramatta’s rookie of the year after a great 2025 season
The 22-year-old signed a new deal that will keep him at the Eels until the end of 2030
‘I came to Parramatta for an opportunity and now it has become home.
‘I’ve built a great connection with [head coach] Jason Ryles, the coaching staff, my teammates, and everyone at the Club, and I’m grateful for the faith they’ve shown in me.
‘The incredible support from our fans has made my journey even more special.
‘We’ve grown so much as a team over the past year, and I can’t wait to keep building our future together at this club.’
Iongi last featured for the Eels in their preseason victory over the Roosters on Saturday.
Barring any disciplinary action over the photos, he would be expected to run out in the No.1 jersey for Parramatta in their first match of the season against Melbourne on March 5.
The Daily Mail has contacted the Parramatta club and Iongi’s management for comment.
