Brisbane has released the following statement after reports broke on Tuesday afternoon involving the club.
It was reported that a number of senior players were at the pokies on the night before their 58-0 elimination final loss to Parramatta on Sunday, and the Broncos have addressed the claims on their website.
The full statement can be seen below.
In relation to media reports on the actions of Broncos team members on Saturday night, the club has spoken to a number of players.
From those conversations, we understand that a small number were playing poker machines at a venue close to the team hotel.
Others called in for a short period on their way back to the team hotel from the shops.
There is no suggestion the players were drinking, and our entire squad presented at a team breakfast at 7am the next morning.
Players aren’t confined to the team hotel on away trips once their team commitments including dinner, team meeting and sports massage have been completed.
Over many years, the club has placed trust in the playing group to do the right thing in regard to their pre-game preparation.
Given the players were about to play their biggest game of the year, they should have been more professional in their actions.
The club will take this into consideration during the end of year review process currently underway.