Broncos captain Adam Reynolds and teammate Pat Carrigan have sought to “take ownership” of his behavior after they almost came to blows at party venue Fortitude Valley on Sunday.
The development comes as the duo will be fined by the NRL and Brisbane after Queensland police opted not to arrest the star duo over their drunken brawl.
The pair appeared before the media on Tuesday, with Carrigan saying he was willing to “take full responsibility” for his conduct, and Reynolds, 33, adding that he was “embarrassed.”
He also acknowledged that his behavior “does not give a good image in the eyes of the public.”
“It’s obviously not ideal behavior that I’m proud of,” forward Carrigan told reporters. “But as a club we are moving forward and I am at Adam’s side.”
The brawl between Carrigan and Reynolds, which reportedly left manager Kevin Walters furious, unfolded just hours after the club hosted its annual fans day at Red Hill, with more than 8,000 fans in attendance to meet their heroes.
Broncos captain Adam Reynolds pleaded with team-mate Pat Carrigan to return home in a taxi moments before the pair were filmed ‘fighting’ at party venue Fortitude Valley on Sunday.
The fight between Carrigan and Reynolds, which reportedly enraged manager Kevin Walters, unfolded just hours after the club hosted its annual fans day at Red Hill.
Despite the negative headlines, the teammates are not expected to be recalled for Brisbane’s season-opening clash against the Roosters in Las Vegas on March 3 (AEDT).
The NRL Integrity Unit is understood to be viewing the footage, where the drunken footballers were about to exchange blows after a drinking session.
According news corporationPolice patrolling the area interviewed both players at the scene and ordered them to go home immediately, after opting not to arrest them both.
Brisbane president Karl Morris called the incident “very disappointing”.
“We are very close to the start of the season and we have always had the opinion that alcohol is not a performance-enhancing substance,” he said.
“I’m not going to make excuses for it…these guys should know better.”
Broncos CEO Dave Donaghy held crisis meetings with Reynolds and Carrigan on Monday and denied the club has a cultural problem.
“The players are aware of the professional standards we expect, clearly that was not met in this case.
‘But in recent years we have seen great growth in improving our environment and our culture.
Carrigan recently re-signed with the club until at least the end of the 2028 season and is viewed as a captain in waiting.
Reynolds is in the final year of his big contract with the Broncos, but is looking to extend his time in Red Hill.
“This is certainly a step back, but the intention is to learn from it and improve on and off the field.”
According to multiple reports, the Broncos players dined at MAYA Mexican restaurant and bar in the heart of Brisbane’s entertainment precinct in Fortitude Valley.
Witnesses claim Carrigan was very drunk, and Reynolds, also drunk, attempted to get the Queensland Origin star out of the venue by hailing him a taxi.
Then an altercation broke out that spread to the street in front of the surprised spectators.
Broncos stars Corey Oates and Reece Walsh were also on the scene and attempted to separate Reynolds and Carrigan.