Brisbane Broncos star Payne Haas has been handed a maximum $50,000 fine and suspended three matches by the NRL integrity unit over charges related to his drunken altercation with police in Tweed Heads last month, as first reported by The Australian's Brent Head.
The NRL confirmed Haas' sanctions in a statement, also stating he must complete an appropriate education program and complete community service.
“Payne’s conduct was unacceptable. There are no excuses for any form of abuse towards our police force. Any player who intimidates police will be dealt with severely,’’ NRL Chief Executive Andrew Abdo said.
“As part of his sanction, Payne is required to participate in an appropriate education program and engage in community service as directed by the NRL. It’s important our sanctions are two-fold – they must act as a deterrent but also have an element of education and rehabilitation so players who are in trouble can learn from their mistakes and develop into better young men.
“Although most of our players are outstanding role models in the community, we need to do more to ensure better decision making and accountability among our playing group. We will be reviewing our education programmes and also reviewing our financial penalties, in conjunction with the RLPA, to ensure that we are doing all we can to eliminate instances where the players let themselves and the community down.”
The young gun pleaded guilty last week to intimidating police - with court documents his explosive rant to police, where he threatened a female officer and dared police to taser him.
He received two-year good behaviour bond, avoiding any recorded conviction, but the NRL opted to intervene with its own penalties.
A statement of police facts read that Haas was aggressive when questioned to show identification.
Payne Haas suspension will be handed down this afternoon. He will miss three rounds and be fined. Payne will front a press conference this afternoon.
Huge blow for Brisbane but suspension only option.@7NewsBrisbane
— Chris Garry (@ChrisGarry7) February 8, 2021
Hearing Payne Haas likely to be suspended for 3 games and receive a $50,000 fine. Final sanctions to be confirmed imminently.
— Brent Read (@brentread_7) February 8, 2021
The official sanctions are expected to be confirmed imminently, with Haas set to front a press conference later this afternoon.
Haas broke his silence last week in a public statement after receiving his two-year good behaviour reprieve.
“I take full responsibility for what happened and I’m extremely sorry for my actions on that night,” he told broncos.com.au.
The 21-year old has played 41 NRL games for the Broncos since making his first-grade debut in 2018.
Should be handed a seasons long suspension.
This suspension and fine is not tough enough!