SYDNEY - Cronulla have fined test lock Paul Gallen A$10,000 ($12,565), A$5000 of it suspended, after he was issued with an infringement notice for public urination over the weekend.
Gallen was spotted urinating in public and near someone's head in the early hours of last Saturday morning and issued
with an infringement notice by police.
The club has investigated the incident and decided to hand the former captain a heavy fine, half of which will remain suspended on good behaviour for the remainder of his contract.
Gallen, who is currently on leave after the Four Nations tournament, has apologised for the incident and accepts that the board needed to take action.
"While there are extenuating circumstances around the incident, I accept that ultimately I have embarrassed everyone involved in the club," Gallen said.
"I genuinely apologise for my actions particularly at a time when there is such a positive feeling around the club with so many people doing a great job off the field."
Club CEO Richard Fisk is confident the Sharks have taken suitable action.
"Paul is the first to admit to an error of judgement and accepts that a strong penalty was required," said Fisk.
"Whilst the club has taken a strong stand against the unacceptable behaviour from one of our senior players, the police have confirmed that after the incident Paul was apologetic, polite and co-operative."
- AAP
