LeagueNews.co | Jess Malloy
Las Vegas was abuzz with Rugby League drama as a humbled Hudson Young and Morgan Smithies issued apologies for their late-night Vegas scuffle.
The pair, feeling sheepish and sorry, addressed the incident that left them red-faced.
Young, a key member of the Raiders leadership group, expressed uncertainty about their future in Sin City but assured that the club had handled the situation internally.
Despite the mishap, both players were allowed to stay with the team in Vegas and are likely to be featured in the starting lineup against the New Zealand Warriors.
The Raiders decided against immediate sanctions, considering the logistics of bringing in replacement players from afar.
Plans for disciplinary action will be put on hold until the team returns to Canberra following their clash at Allegiant Stadium.
The NRL integrity unit was promptly informed of the drunken elevator scuffle that saw Young and Smithies ejected from their Resorts World hotel early Friday morning Vegas time.
Young explained that the altercation occurred as the players returned from a wild night out in Sin City, marking their first day in Las Vegas.
As the Raiders navigate this unexpected bump in the road, all eyes will be on how they handle the aftermath and maintain their focus on the field.
The duo's remorseful apologies serve as a reminder of the sacrifices and responsibilities that come with representing their club and the sport they love.