The Parramatta Eels have reviewed the recent incident involving Peni Terepo in the early morning of Sunday 8 January 2017 in Auckland, New Zealand.
Last Friday, Peni pleaded guilty to careless driving and refusing to give a blood alcohol test. Peni has admitted that he had been drinking.
The Club was unaware of this incident until it was reported in the New Zealand media last Friday (27 January 2017).
In the interests of fairness, we have spoken with Peni in order to hear his version of events. In addition, we have spoken with his Manager, the Rugby League Players’ Association (RLPA) and the NRL Integrity Unit.
In order to consider all elements around this incident, our Club has conducted internal discussions with our staff, including Head Coach, Brad Arthur, and other coaching & support staff; accordingly, other pertinent considerations are:
The Club views drink driving as an extremely serious offence. We have reiterated to Peni in very strong terms that this behaviour is totally unacceptable. The other concerning element of this incident was that Peni did not advise the Club.
The Club is of the opinion that Peni has acted in breach of his National Rugby League Playing Contract. Under the terms of the NRL Playing Contract, the Club is permitted to take action when a player is in breach of the NRL Playing Contract.
The Club has determined to take the following action:
Peni Terepo will also not be permitted to play in the Club’s NSWRL Cup team during this period.
Peni has accepted the above action by the Club.
Our Club has maintained a constructive dialogue with Peni’s manager, the NRL Integrity Unit and the RLPA during this process.