Peni's punishment

Dear Members,The Parramatta National Rugby League Club Pty Limited has 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:Peni came over from New Zealand in 2009 and entered the Parramatta Eels junior development program and so the 2017 NRL season will be Peni’s 9 th season with our Club. Peni is 25 years old.Peni has played 123 games for the Eels, 74 in the NRL and another 49 in the Junior Representative teams. Of the current senior playing squad, Peni has played the second highest number of games for our Club (behind Tim Mannah).During his time at our Club, Peni has not been involved in any prior unacceptable incident. This is his first offence.Peni has been a valuable contributor to our Club’s community activities.Peni is well-respected by his fellow players and the Club’s coaching & support staff.In our discussions, Peni has accepted total responsibility, apologised to the Club and demonstrated genuine remorse for his actions.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:1. Fine Peni Terepo an amount of $15,000 from his 2017 Playing Fee.2. Suspend Peni Terepo for the following matches:· The 2017 Auckland “9’s” tournament.· The first three (3) 2017 NRL matches of the Club.Peni Terepo will also not be permitted to play in the Club’s NSWRL Cup team during this period.3. Have Peni Terepo engage in educational courses related to drink-driving.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

"HFK, Fair point. Sure, we could. But balancing incoming youth with experience is almost a perennial issue. A constant cycle. It never really goes away. At least not for too long. "

Replies

Ron February 1, 2017 at 3:25pm

Thought he might have got the sack since he didn't tell the club but this punishment is very fair
- Kurupt > Ron February 9, 2017 at 7:51am
  
  Good on the club, Peni is lucky the last mob is gone.
Kramerica February 1, 2017 at 3:27pm

I think he's lucky - but am happy with the punishment.
I would like to see the $15000 donated to a worthy charity - such as the Westmead Childrens Hospital.

Oh, and when I read the title I thought the blog was about d*cks and stilettos - - gotta say I was a bit disappointed :)
- 1ee > Kramerica February 1, 2017 at 3:46pm
  
  Sorry kram! You can help me edit the story if you like ?
Enforcer Eel February 1, 2017 at 3:28pm

Point 3, the drink driving educational class is being held by Paul McGregor
Steve February 1, 2017 at 3:29pm

I actually think its a "tough but fair" punishment. Good leadership by Bernie for a first offender.
Cʜɪᴇғy Mclovin 🐐 February 1, 2017 at 3:33pm

Fair enough punishment acknowledging it was a very serious offense, but it is Peni's first in the 8 seasons he has played here.

Most - including myself, jumped to conclusions calling for his head, but I think this was more due to the club's sequence of recent similar alcohol realated offenses.

It's fair.
Snakey - Sack Dylan Brown February 1, 2017 at 3:33pm

Good and fair decision by the club imo, its a serious fine and misses 3 games for a 1st offence and has to go to a course, respect that they took his history at the club into account and his good record and thats only fair, also a good letter from the club well done Bernie.

He hasnt acted like a dickhead before and deserves his chance, just keep your nose clean peni and dont do anything that can put families lives on the road at risk again you dope, it only takes a split second for it to go from a forgivable act to a non forgivable act..
- Troy C > Snakey - Sack Dylan Brown February 1, 2017 at 4:21pm
  
  Well put Snake
- Mitchy > Snakey - Sack Dylan Brown February 1, 2017 at 6:47pm
  
  Totally agree on this one Snake.
  When we think about it, he came here at age 17. He just needs to think about things in the future, and make better choices. I actually think the whole statement by the club is superb. It's clear, shows reason and provides us with a good picture. Peni will come back from this and have a v Good season.
  On another note I like seeing the boys in the sheds after a game and win enjoying s beer. Nothing wrong with that.