Penrith trio punished for post GF behavioural incidents

A trio of Penrith stars have been punished by the NRL for behavioural incidents post their Grand Final win over South Sydney.

The league issued breach notices to Nathan Cleary and Stephen Crichton after they were imaged “acting in a disrespectful manner toward the NRL trophy”.

Images surfaced post the Panthers’ win with what appeared to be the famous Provan-Summons trophy broken in two with part of it placed in a pram.

Cleary was fined $7000 and Crichton $4000 for their actions.

Utility Tyrone May was also reprimanded by the league after he made a social media post that made reference to his convictions over four counts of intentionally recording an intimate image without consent.

The post included photos of him at court during the case, where he pleaded guilty and narrowly avoided jail time.

As a result, May has been stood down from all club duties.

Panthers CEO Brian Fletcher says the players didn’t intend to show disrespect toward the famous trophy.

“The Panthers players had no intention to show disrespect towards the trophy, Norm Provan or Arthur Summons, however they understand that's how their actions may have been interpreted,” Fletcher said via a statement.

“Everyone at Panthers is well aware of the immense contributions Norm and Arthur made to our game and the high esteem in which they are held by everyone involved in rugby league.

“On behalf of the club I sincerely apologise for any offence or distress this matter may have caused the Rugby League community and particularly the Provan and Summons families.”