Sharks prop Andrew Fifita has been issued an official warning from Cronulla CEO Barry Russell for his expletive attack on NRL reporter Phil Rothfield on the The Halfcast Podcast, as reported by The Daily Telegraph.
“Excuse my French, but (Rothfield) is a complete f***wit,” Fifita said on the podcast.
The controversial forward was called into an 8am meeting with Russell before training on Thursday morning and was told any future indiscretions would place him at risk of breaking the code of conduct.
The Sharks chief executive was also looking to meet with Fifita's teammate Josh Dugan on Thursday morning, who also took aim at Rothfield on the podcast.
“I’ve also reminded Andrew of his obligations to seek prior consent from the club for all media in the future,’’ Russell told The Daily Teleraph.
“Given what’s happened, the likelihood of that happening, is remote. It’s an issue that we as a club find extremely disappointing.
“I’m in the process of issuing a formal apology from the club to News Limited and Phil Rothfield.’’
Rothfield has previously feuded with Fifta and Dugan in the press for an incident at the Cronulla RSL in February.