The North Queensland Toyota Cowboys have fined two of their National Rugby League squad members after an incident on Wednesday 7 September.
Players Jason Taumalolo, 23, and Tautau Moga, 22, have each been fined $2,500 by the club.
Both men plus three other players have also agreed to pay for any damages that may have been incurred.
Cowboys head coach Paul Green said the men were remorseful and that the club had consulted with the NRL’s Integrity Unit when coming to a decision on a penalty.
“Last week, I said that after we returned from our game in Melbourne, we would address this issue, which we now have, in consultation with the NRL and its Integrity Unit,” Green said.
“While we can’t get into the specifics of our own internal investigation due to some matters still being before the court, our players are extremely remorseful for their involvement.
“They know that they acted improperly and that they have hurt not only the people directly affected, but also the club’s members, supporters and partners.
“We’ve taken the matter seriously as the players’ actions were out of step with both the values of the NRL and the club.”
Taumalolo acknowledged that he had let people down.
“I’ve taken the time to apologise for what I did on Wednesday night to my teammates and now that our internal process is complete, I would like to apologise to those who were affected by the incident as well as the wider community, the fans and the members of this great club.
"I know a lot of kids look up to me and I just don’t want them to think it’s the right thing.”
Moga also expressed his remorse.
“I’m very sorry for letting the club and this great organisation down and I really want to apologise to those I’ve directly affected with my actions”.
