Brisbane have denied that any of their players broke team rules but conceded "they should have been more professional in their actions" following a Saturday night pokies session.
The Broncos were thrashed 58-0 by Parramatta the following day, ending a disappointing season for the powerhouse club.
Reports emerged on Tuesday that several Broncos players - now revealed to be Anthony Milford, David Fifita, Corey Oates, Matt Gillett, Payne Haas and Andrew McCullough - were playing the pokies at a pub in Surry Hills until 11pm the night before.
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The club later confirmed the reports, but said none of the players involved were drinking and the full squad was present at 7am on Sunday for a team breakfast.
Full statement:
In relation to media reports on the actions of Broncos team members on Saturday night, the club has spoken to a number of players.
From those conversations, we understand that a small number were playing poker machines at a venue close to the team hotel.
Others called in for a short period on their way back to the team hotel from the shops.
There is no suggestion the players were drinking, and our entire squad presented at a team breakfast at 7am the next morning.
Players aren’t confined to the team hotel on away trips once their team commitments including dinner, team meeting and sports massage have been completed.
Over many years, the club has placed trust in the playing group to do the right thing in regard to their pre-game preparation.
Given the players were about to play their biggest game of the year, they should have been more professional in their actions.
The club will take this into consideration during the end of year review process currently underway.
