Jacob Saifiti has been slapped with a fine the equivalent of 25 per cent of his salary, under tough new sanctions imposed by the Knights.

The club’s CEO Phil Gardner explained the rationale behind the eye-watering $50,000 fine ($25,000 suspended), saying the football committee was sending a clear message to the playing group that the repercussions would be severe for players who bring the club into disrepute.

Every Test, ODI & T20I live, ad-break free during play and in 4K. Only on Foxtel. SIGN UP NOW!

Round 19

Saifiti did so when he was involved in an altercation with Boyd Cordner’s brother Dane outside the Greenroof Hotel in Hamilton in December.

The 22-year-old prop was knocked out in the fight and suffered a broken leg.

“We think the penalty warrants the behaviour we are trying to put a stop to,” Gardner told the Newcastle Herald.

“Every case will be treated on its merits and obviously, all the facts need to be looked at in any incident but the fine of 25 per cent on the contract will be across the board for everyone.

“Depending on what the incidents are, to go above that, you are looking at suspensions or terminations.”

Gardner expects other clubs to follow the Knights’ lead.

“The game has had enough, not just us,” he continued.

“It’s difficult for the current players because they look back on the eras of past players and think why are we being treated differently.

“The answer to that is society has moved on. What we expect from people around behaviours, particularly behaviours towards women, has changed.

“What’s acceptable from an NRL player, given the size of the salaries and the training and everything else, has moved on.

“The punishment will be the same here for everyone and I think you will find a similar stance will be taken by the other clubs.”

He believes too often off-field indiscretions have been “swept under the carpet”, and it’s time clubs take a zero-tolerance approach.

“The penalties need to be strong enough to change behaviours. In the past they haven’t been and things have been swept under the carpet but we are creating a standard and players know where they sit. We are not just punishing them though, we are also helping them get better,” he said.

MORE NEWS

GUTSY GRIFFIN: SLADE GRIFFIN SHRUGS OFF ‘GRUESOME’ SETBACK

TRANSFER CENTRE: CULT HERO SIGNS WITH BRONCOS

ASSAULT: STAR CHARGED WITH ATTACKING RIDE-SHARE DRIVER

CUSTODIAN CONUNDRUM: SOUTH SYDNEY RABBITOHS’ BEST 17

SHARKS’ NEW MENTOR: CRONULLA APPOINT INTERIM HEAD COACH

NEW YEAR’S NIGHTMARE: FERGUSON CHECKS INTO HOSPITAL