Brisbane Broncos' player Payne Haas has been stood down by the club for the opening four rounds of the NRL competition and given a $20,000 fine.

Brisbane CEO Paul White said the club-imposed penalties related to an investigation by the NRL Integrity Unit into an incident involving the Haas family.

Those matters are private and the club has committed upon the request of all parties that they remain confidential.

White said there was no allegation, or any act of violence committed by Haas, nor any breach of the law involving our player, nor is there or has been any external investigation.

“But Payne’s level of cooperation with the investigation by the NRL Integrity Unit fell short of the expectations and the standards set by our club,” said White.

“We have a duty to protect the reputation of our club and our game – and we have a duty to our players – which requires us to hold them accountable for their decisions, and we are doing that today.

“Payne will miss the opening rounds of the competition and that is a heavy price to pay, as well as receiving a substantial fine.

“But we see this as a mistake made by young man and we are confident that Payne will learn his lesson.

“We hope this sends a strong message that the values and conduct of everyone at the Brisbane Broncos is of the utmost importance to club.”

White said the penalties, and the club’s level of cooperation, had been endorsed by the NRL Integrity Unit.