'I know I did wrong': Mitchell Pearce breaks his silence and admits 'problem with alcohol'

NRL star Mitchell Pearce has broken his silence for the first time since the lewd Australia Day scandal admitting he knows what he did was wrong and that he 'has a problem with alcohol'.

In a very short press conference the Roosters captain said: "I would like to unreservedly apologise to everyone for my actions over the last couple of days. My behaviour was unacceptable, I am embarrassed and I take full responsibility for my actions.

"I acknowledge I have a problem with alcohol and and its something I need to address.

"It's not an excuse but a realisation that I finally need help.

"Together with the club I am working on a solution for me to address these issues and it will come out in the next couple of days."

The NSW State of Origin five-eighth has been stood down indefinitely from club activities while the Roosters investigate the events that led to the airing of footage of him simulating a sex act with a dog.

Pearce's drunken stupor at an Australia Day party is almost certain to draw a heavy fine, as well as the end of his co-captaincy, but it's his immediate playing future that is shrouded in doubt.

The club announced they have stood the premiership captain down from all training commitments pending an internal investigation, adding that it is working closely with the NRL Integrity Unit.

Pearce may also be banned him from travelling to England next month for the World Club challenge, the Daily Telegraph reports.

GALLEN: Pearce only hurt himself

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The vile act was captured on a mobile phone by a partygoer revealing the New South Wales State of Origin player allegedly making advances toward a woman in a bedroom, in a story broken by 7 News.

"I'm a lesbian," the woman says, rejecting Pearce's gesture.

While slurring his words, he can be seen turning his attention toward a dog and stimulating a lewd act upon the Maltese terrier.

"I don't have a sexuality" before picking up the small white dog and telling her "I'll f***k that dog...I don't give a s***t", Pearce says.

The woman grabs the dog off of Pearce, accusing him of urinating on her couch.

“I want to f*** your dog and I don’t even care,” Pearce replies.

“I care, you have peed on my couch, you have peed on yourself, get the f*** out,” the woman tells him.

“That’s the last straw.”

Eventually, the rugby league player's friends escort him off the premises.