Mitchell Pearce has admitted he has a problem with alcohol, accepted he needs help and has apologised for his actions on Australia Day.
In a brief statement to media at 3pm on Friday, a visibly upset Pearce said his behaviour had been unacceptable.
“I’m embarrassed and take full responsibility for my action,” he said.
Together with the club I’m working on a solution for me to address the issues which will come out in the next couple of days.
“I just want to thank everyone for turning up and I apologise again.”
Pearce was exposed in a video shot on Australia Day in a highly intoxicated state and involved in a distasteful interaction with a dog.
Speculation has been that Pearce will be stripped of the Roosters captaincy, fined A$50,000 and suspended from the Roosters’ UK trip for the World Club Challenge.