LeagueNews.co | Jason Patrick
Canberra Raiders teammates Morgan Smithies and Hudson Young have been fined by the NRL for their involvement in a brawl in a Las Vegas elevator but will not be suspended.
The breach notices issued to Smithies and Young proposed a $2,500 suspended fine for each player, with the possibility of the fine being enforced if there are any repeat offenses within the next 12 months.
The NRL stated that the players' actions "brought the game and their club into disrepute" but did not disclose specific details of the incident due to the league's rules.
The Raiders have decided not to impose additional sanctions on the players for the altercation, which occurred at their team hotel in Vegas late last month.
The incident took place as the team was preparing for their round-one games in the US, and the NRL's decision not to suspend the players shows leniency towards their actions.
The fines issued to Smithies and Young serve as a warning to the players to uphold the league's standards of conduct, with the possibility of further repercussions if they fail to do so.
The suspended fines indicate that the NRL is giving them a second chance to rectify their behavior and avoid future infractions.
While the specific details of the brawl have not been revealed, the NRL's actions demonstrate their commitment to maintaining the integrity of the game and holding players accountable for their actions.
The decision to issue fines rather than suspensions reflects a balanced approach to discipline, giving the players the opportunity to learn from their mistakes and move forward.
The incident serves as a reminder to all players about the importance of representing the game and their club in a positive light, both on and off the field.