Sydney Roosters’ Mitchell Pearce apologises for Australia Day video

Mitchell Pearce has apologised for his drunken behaviour, according to head coach Trent Robinson.

Pearce, the Sydney Roosters captain and New South Wales half-back, is facing severe sanctions after a video was aired on Australia’s Channel 9 which appeared to show him trying to kiss a woman before embarking on a series of lewd acts during an Australia Day house party.

Pearce has been stood down by his club as the NRL investigate the incident and looks certain to miss the Roosters’ trip to England for the World Club Series clash with St Helens at Langtree Park on February 19th.

Robinson, who was Super League coach of the year in 2011 during his time at Catalans Dragons, said Pearce had apologised to him and his team-mates but described the player’s behaviour as unacceptable.

“That’s why he has been stood down up until this matter is resolved,” Robinson said on Roosters TV. “We will go through that with the NRL over the next couple of days.

“The behaviour was unacceptable. We understand that. At the Roosters, we can’t accept that and we won’t. Over the next couple of days we will come to a conclusion with the NRL.”

Meanwhile, former Roosters prop Martin Kennedy was on Thursday suspended two years and nine months for breaching the league's anti-doping policy.

Kennedy, 26, who was provisionally suspended by the NRL last March over claims of possession and attempted use of multiple banned substances, was found guilty of attempted use of SARMS S22, growth hormone, chorionic gonadotrophin and insulin and is suspended until December 19th, 2017.

NRL head of integrity Nick Weeks said: "The NRL remains committed to eliminating performance enhancing drugs in our game.

“Drug-free sport is essential in ensuring a fair competition and a safe working environment for our players and we will continue to take the necessary steps to achieve this.”