Halfback could miss the first State of Origin clash for NSW.
New South Wales coach Laurie Daley could have another selection headache to deal with, in the wake of news Mitchell Pearce will come under investigation for an incident in Kings Cross over the weekend.
Pearce was arrested for failing to leave a nightclub in the infamous part of Sydney, after he allegedly was involved in an incident with a woman inside the venue.
Police were called to the venue at 01.30am after an incident near the dance-floor, and the Sydney Roosters star became agitated when he was asked to leave.
The 25-year-old was taken to Kings Cross Police Station, fined $500 and given a 48-hour ban from the area, but the bigger punishment could still be handed out by the NRL.
Inspector Craig Lowrey from Kings Cross Police said footage of the incident near the dance-floor is being reviewed to see if Pearce should be charged with any further crime.
“We’re looking at the CCTV footage from inside the premises and appealing for witnesses at this stage from there we’ll have to consider what course of action will follow,” he said.
“Someone who has witnessed the offence has alerted police to what’s happened. We’re asking that person or any other witnesses if they could come forward and speak to us at Kings Cross Police.”
Yesterday, the Roosters said they were aware of the incident and the NRL’s Integrity Unit had been notified.
“The Sydney Roosters have been made aware that Mitchell Pearce was issued with an infringement notice for failure to quit a licensed premises overnight,” the statement read.
“The infringement notice was issued and the fine paid.
“The Roosters have advised the NRL’s Integrity Unit.
“From here, the club will address the matter internally and will be making no further comment.”
If found guilty of a further crime and suspended for any games, it could place severe pressure on the Blues side as they look to stop Queensland’s winning run in Origin.
Already they are set to be without key forward Greg Bird for Origin I, after he was given a dangerous throw charge by the NRL for his tackle on Bryson Goodwin last game.
If Bird accepts the early plea he will be right to play in Origin one, however, if he fights the charge he could miss all three Origin games and be out for six weeks in total.
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