The NRL has fined Gold Coast Titans forward David Fifita $20,000 for breaching the league’s alcohol code of conduct and bringing the game into disrepute.
Key points:
- Fifita was found to have breached the NRL’s alcohol code of conduct late last year
- He avoided a match suspension but will participate in a counselling and education program
- No criminal action was taken against Fifita
The fine, half of which will be suspended for 12 months, relates to an incident that took place in December last year.
The NRL said Fifita “entered the premises of a home which he did not reside in” although the league accepted the Queensland State of Origin forward believed he had been invited.
The league said Fifita’s conduct in “immediately entering on his own showed poor judgment and fell significantly short of his obligations as an NRL player”.
No criminal action was taken against Fifita.
The NRL said the Titans had been cautioned for not promptly disclosing the club’s payment for a security system that was installed in the home after the incident.
It said Fifita would pay for the cost of the security system, in addition to his fine.
The Titans will not face any salary cap-related sanctions.
Fifita avoided a match suspension but he will undergo an education and counselling program.
