The Sydney Roosters have slapped halfback Mitchell Pearce with a one-game suspension and a $20,000 fine for a wild night out on the weekend which resulted in him being kicked out of two nightspots and his arrest.
The Roosters finalised their internal investigation into the events which resulted in Pearce being issued with an infringement notice by police for failing to leave a licensed premises.
Pearce has been cleared by police of another matter after a woman notified them she didn’t wish to pursue alleged physical contact by the halfback at a Kings Cross nightclub.
At this stage Pearce will be available to be picked in the NSW State of Origin team for game one against Queensland, unless the NRL or NSWRL intervene with further penalties.
The Roosters also took action against Pearce’s teammate Boyd Cordner for breaching the club’s standards.
Cordner has been fined $5000 with $2500 suspended.
Pearce’s fine will be paid to charity and he’ll also be required to undertake counselling.
“The club is most disappointed with the events of the weekend. The club and NRL have strong policies in place and there is a process that has had to run its course,” said Sydney Roosters chief operating officer for football, Brian Canavan.
“Mitchell and Boyd have accepted the club sanctions and shown genuine remorse for the negative spotlight both have attracted to the Roosters and the game by breaching the club’s and NRL’s standards.
“Both are important contributors to our club, and the game, and we will continue to work closely with them to ensure their continued personal development off the field.”