Brisbane star Joe Ofahengaue in doubt for Round 1 clash with North Queensland

Joe Ofahengaue’s appearance in court is in danger of sidelining him for Round 1 as the Broncos contemplate suspending their star front-rower.

Broncos player Joe Ofahengaue supported by his partner Sofi Leota at Ipswich courts after his drink driving charge. Photographer: Liam Kidston.

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Broncos prop Joe Ofahengaue’s hopes of being a part of rugby league history lie in the hands of the NRL.

Ofahengaue had his drivers’ licence suspended for three months and was fined $1000 after pleading guilty to a traffic offence on Wednesday morning in Ipswich Magistrates Court.

Ofahengaue pleaded guilty to being in charge of a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol after recording a blood-alcohol level of 0.136 when police found him asleep in his car last month.

Ofahengaue, 24, claimed he was attending a friend’s party when he went to his car to retrieve a speaker and fell asleep. No conviction was recorded.

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Ofahengaue was fined $1000. Photograph by Liam Kidston.

The Queensland Origin forward is now in danger of being suspended from the opening round of the NRL season.

The NRL’s Integrity Unit will review Ofahengaue’s case before delivering any potential sanctions in conjunction with the Broncos.

The latest offence was Ofahengaue’s third appearance in court, with the Ipswich product previously appearing for driving while on a suspended licence (2016) and being embroiled in a casino cheating scandal (2017).

The Broncos are privately livid with Ofahengaue’s string of offences and have discussed the possibility of suspending him from Brisbane’s blockbuster Round 1 clash against North Queensland at the new Townsville Stadium on March 13.

Ofahengaue is one of Brisbane’s key forwards. AAP Image/Glenn Hunt.

Any sanction will have to be ratified by the NRL and the Broncos said they were awaiting the completion of the game’s investigation.

“Brisbane Broncos player Joe Ofahengaue appeared in court today over a traffic offence, with no conviction recorded,” Broncos spokesman said.

“The club informed the NRL Integrity Unit when the incident occurred, and now that the case has been dealt with in court, the unit will complete its investigation.

Ofahengaue is expected to play in Brisbane’s first trial against the CQ Capras. Photo by Ian Hitchcock/Getty Images.

“The Broncos will wait for the Integrity Unit to hand down its findings before commenting further.”

Ofahengaue has been named to play in Brisbane’s pre-season trial match against the CQ Capras in Rockhampton on Saturday night.

It is unlikely any suspension would impact his availability for the trial game.

The 90-game NRL representative is an integral part of Brisbane’s forward pack and any potential suspension for the season proper would be a blow to the Broncos.