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Broncos mainstay Payne Haas has been fined $ 50,000 and suspended for the first three rounds of the season by the NRL after he pleaded guilty to two counts of intimidation of NSW police.
The NRL announced Monday that Haas would be fined the maximum amount for player misconduct under current rules and must also complete “an appropriate education program and full community service as directed by the NRL.”
In consultation with the Rugby League Players Association, the NRL said it would review the maximum financial penalties “to ensure they act as an appropriate deterrent for all players.”
NRL CEO Andrew Abdo said the game does not tolerate players who abuse or intimidate the police.
“Payne’s conduct was unacceptable. There are no excuses for any form of abuse towards our police force. Any player who intimidates the police will be treated severely,” he said.
“As part of his sanction, Payne is required to participate in an appropriate educational program and engage in community service as directed by the NRL.
“It is important that our sanctions are double: they must act as a deterrent, but also have an element of education and rehabilitation so that players who are in trouble can learn from their mistakes and become better young people.
“While most of our players are prominent role models in the community, we must do more to ensure better decision-making and accountability among our playing group.
“We will review our educational programs and also review our financial penalties, in conjunction with the RLPA, to ensure that we are doing everything we can to eliminate instances of players defrauding themselves and the community.”
