Cameron Munster to enter rehab as Storm star cops monster fine
Melbourne's Cameron Munster will spend four-weeks in a rehabilitation facility after the NRL and the Storm handed down whopping fines to the Maroons star for his post-season antics.
Munster and Brandon Smith will miss one game and face fines of up to $30,000 in penalties imposed by the NRL for their post-season antics.
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However, the Storm later announced Munster was handed a $100,000 suspended fine, before Munster addressed the media.
Munster said he had had a "difficult relationship" with alcohol and that he needed to take further steps to deal with the issue.
"Clearly I still have some hurdles to overcome," he said.
"I made the decision, in consultation with the club doctor to seek some help with this battle.
"Starting tomorrow, I'll be attending a treatment facility for the next four weeks.
"Hopefully you'll see by my actions that I'm dedicated to change."
Furthermore, Munster has been removed from the team's leadership group.
Smith was removed from the Storm's emerging leadership group.
Munster's punishment on top of NRL fine:
$100,000 (suspended) fine
Additional behavioural conditions as part of a disciplinary action agreement
Stood down from the Senior Leadership Group
Will enter and complete a four-week rehabilitation program
Will abstain from alcohol for a period of 12 months
Consultation with club medical team and health professionals to individualise a comprehensive ongoing welfare program
NRL hand down fines and suspensions
The Storm duo, as well as teammate Chris Lewis, were issued with breach notices by the NRL on Tuesday morning alleging they brought the game into disrepute.
Warriors youngster Reece Walsh was also issued a breach notice for failing to comply with the game's code of conduct, and faces a two-game ban and a $5,000 fine.
With the NRL taking into account the player salaries, Munster was hardest hit, facing a $30,000 fine as well as his one-match suspension while Smith was fined $15,000 and Lewis $4,000.
The Storm trio, as well as Walsh, are also required to complete education and training as directed by the NRL.
The players each have five business days to respond to their breach notice.
NRL boss Andrew Abdo said the players had let the rugby league community down.
"I understand that players have endured a long season under strict protocols," he said in a statement.
"However, there is no excuse for the behaviour we have seen over the past week. The players have let themselves, their clubs and the rugby league community down.
"These sanctions are designed to include an element of rehabilitation and development as well as having consequences for the individual and team."
'White substance' video lands players in hot water
Two undated videos surfaced online after the Storm's NRL finals exit.
The initial vision appeared to show Munster, Smith and several other people in a room with a white substance on a table while a second video showed Munster dancing on the same table.
Celebrating the end of his debut NRL season, Walsh was arrested on the Gold Coast and is under investigation for drug offences.
The 19-year-old was asked by police to move on from the nightclub strip but he returned and was arrested.
The Warriors had already announced he would undergo club-instigated drug and alcohol counselling.
with AAP
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