The National Rugby League handed Caitlin Moran a one match ban for calling Queen Elizabeth II a “dumb dog”.The NRLW Newcastle Knights player made the comments in a now-deleted Instagram post on Friday."Today's a good fucking day, uncle Luke announces his tour, and this dumb dog dies, Happy f****** Friday," she wrote.It is thought the "dumb dog" was a reference to Queen Elizabeth II, who died on September 8th. It is believed that “uncle Luke" is country singer Luke Combs.The post was deleted eight hours after publication, but screenshots were viewed by the NRL’s integrity unit.Moran received a ban for one match, which equates to one-fifth of the NRLW season, and a suspended fine worth 25 per cent of her contract.She will also be obliged to undergo education and training around the appropriate use of social media.

"There will be a further requirement that Moran attend such education and training as is recommended by the NRL's Wellbeing and Education Department, in consultation with the Australian Rugby League Indigenous Council, concerning her responsibilities as a player and the appropriate use of social media," the NRL said.

“Rugby league is an inclusive game and has a proud and strong relationship with many communities.

“Regardless of any personal views, all players and officials must adhere to the professional standards expected of them and on this occasion the public comments made by the player have caused damage to the game.”

But Newcastle Knights coach Ronald Griffiths, who like Moran is Indigenous, came to the defence of his player.

Rugby league star Caitlin Moran
BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA - DECEMBER 02: Caitlin Moran of the Jillaroos kicks a field goal during the 2017 Rugby League Women's World Cup Final between Australia and New Zealand at Suncorp Stadium on December 2, 2017 in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Jason McCawley/Getty Images)

BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA - DECEMBER 02: Caitlin Moran of the Jillaroos kicks a field goal during the 2017 Rugby League Women's World Cup Final between Australia and New Zealand at Suncorp Stadium on December 2, 2017 in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Jason McCawley/Getty Images)

“The relationship between Indigenous people and the monarchy is a complicated one,” he said.

“If Caitlin has done something then it will be investigated by the Integrity Unit and we’ll work our way through the process.

“We’re talking a little bit of negativity with Caitlin, but if we look at we’re she’s come from, in 2017 she wins us the World Cup and does her knee the year after and has probably been in the wilderness since then.”

The 25-year-old Moran was part of the Australian squad which won the 2017 Women’s Rugby League World Cup.

She suffered an ACL injury in 2018 which ruled her out of the inaugural NRL Women's season, during which she was set to play for the Brisbane Broncos.

Moran signed for Newcastle Knights in June 2022 and played her first match for the side earlier this month.