NZ Kiwis star Brandon Smith has suffered a one-two penalty punch for his part in an off-field incident, recorded and posted on social media.
Smith, and Melbourne Storm teammates Cameron Munster and Chris Lewis, were videoed around a table with a pile of white powder, and when the footage surfaced, they were referred to the NRL Integrity Unit for investigation.
On Tuesday morning, the NRL pinged the Dally M Hooker of the Year with a $15,000 fine and one-match suspension, but his club has now doubled down on the penalty, with a $50,000 suspended fine, behaviourial conditions in a disciplinary agreement and dropping him from the Storms' emerging leadership group.
Smith will also work with medical professionals on a "comprehensive ongoing welfare programme", although no-one has confirmed what the suspicious substance was. The players claimed they were too drunk to remember their actions and the club is not allowed to test them once the season ends.
"This has been an incredibly challenging and disappointing period for everyone involved in our club," says Storm chief executive Justin Rodski. "The decisions of these three players have hurt a lot of people, and the players have broken the trust of the club and the game.
"The players are genuinely remorseful for what has happened. They have made a significant error in judgement, and they are here today to own their decisions and take responsibility for their actions.
"They are hurting and have already suffered significant embarrassment and shame over the last week, but importantly, they are not hiding from the issue, and have committed to taking necessary steps to address their behaviour and mental health to ensure they make better decisions in the future, and can influence others to also make better choices in life."
State of Origin star Munster has copped the heaviest punishment, fined $30,000 and suspended one match by the NRL, before the Storm served him with a $100,000 suspended fine and a 12-month alcohol ban, and dropped him from their senior leadership team.
All three must apologise to club staff, members and partners before next season, as well as record an apology video to 213 past players and participate in a variety of community-based leadership programmes.
"I want to apologise to the NRL for my actions, causing damage to the brand of the game during the pinnacle event of the year," Smith, 25, read from a statement. "To your broadcasters, sponsors, commercial partners and fans, I sincerely apologise.
"I hate that I have added to the stereotype of players and I thank the NRL for understanding that I am just a young man that made a poor mistake, putting myself in the situation I did. I would never intentionally try to harm the game.
"To the Melbourne Storm, I deeply regret the trouble I have caused the club and all our amazing sponsors and partners. I am very angry and disappointed that my actions have affected my ability to play alongside my team in round one next year."
