After lengthy deliberations, the Titans board decided to impose the following sanctions:

• Continued exclusion as co-captain until further notice

• Four-match suspension from playing

• Fine of $20,000 (none suspended)

• 50 hours of community service (drug and alcohol prevention)

 “The Board has taken a strong stance with Kevin despite his four-match suspension potentially damaging the club’s prospects over the coming month as we seek to remain in finals contention. He has also let his teammates down, and seriously disappointed our members and commercial partners," Chief executive officer Graham Annesley said.

“Of course, as a football club our priority is to win as many games as possible, but if we all have to suffer some pain in order to drive the message home, then so be it. We take our responsibility to the community seriously and we will not walk away from tough decisions just to increase our chances of on-field success.

“I am pleased to say Kevin has shown tremendous remorse since we first spoke with him last Sunday. Once again today he faced up to the consequences of his actions and accepted full responsibility. He also accepted the penalty handed down with good grace and apologised to the Board for everything he has put the club through in recent days.”

Proctor was with Kiwis captain Kesse Bromwich at the time.

It follows a terrible week for the NRL after Shaun Kenny-Dowall was arrested for cocaine posession as well as Sharks chairman David Keogh.