Storm football boss “bitterly disappointed” by viral video

Melbourne Storm football boss Frank Ponissi says the club are extremely disappointed after footage emerged of Cameron Munster and Brandon Smith partying with a white substance following the end of their season.

The footage went viral on Monday night at the same time as the Dally M awards, with Munster and Smith now under an investigation from the NRL Integrity Unit.

Speaking on Sportsday, Ponissi said while he can’t comment on the details of the investigation, the entire club feels let down by the duo’s actions.

“They have (spoken to the NRL), and they’ve done that today (on Tuesday),” Ponissi said.

“I’m very guarded on what I can say because I’m restricted as it’s under investigation by the NRL Integrity Unit.

“But, all I will say is as a club, as a team, as a coach and in my role, we’re bitterly disappointed.

“There’s a lot of disappointed people in the club today.”

Speaking at the Dally Ms, Storm coach Craig Bellamy said he would make comment once he knew the full details, and Ponissi revealed he has now had the chance to chat to the players face to face.

“Yeah it broke last night (Monday) just as Craig and a number of other players including those players were at the Dally M awards,” Ponissi said.

“Craig had an opportunity to speak to them in person when it broke.

“There’s no doubt when it all settles down and the investigation is finalised Craig will have a chat then.”

Storm CEO Justin Rodski released a statement on Tuesday night stating that the club is starting its “own investigation”.

“The club is taking this matter extremely seriously. We are very disappointed to be in this position and will be thorough in our response,” Rodski said via a statement.

“The players involved have fully co-operated with the NRL and the NRL Integrity Unit investigation. It is our understanding this investigation is unlikely to be concluded this week.

“Melbourne Storm unashamedly sets high standards and makes no apologies for protecting and upholding the professionalism and values of our organisation.

“The club is conducting its own investigation into the matter and will provide an update on our findings in conjunction with the NRL when both processes have concluded.

“The club will make no further comment on the matter until the NRL Integrity Unit has concluded its investigations.”

Listen to the full chat with Ponissi here.