Mitchell Pearce was in Bondi bar before lewd act: Jayden Nikorima and Dale Copley also investigated by Roosters

NRL star Mitchell Pearce was downing free drinks and trying to charm women with fellow Roosters players in a Bondi bar before disgracing himself by simulating a sex act with a dog at a party.

NRL star Mitchell Pearce was downing free drinks and trying to “pick up chicks’’ in a Bondi bar before disgracing himself by simulating a sex act with a dog and wetting his pants.

The revelation comes as two fellow Roosters players were interviewed over the incident and may also face sanctions.

The Roosters club yesterday admitted it was investigating players Jayden Nikorima and Dale Copley, who along with Pearce were asked to leave a Bondi apartment late on Australia Day.

A man believed to be Jayden Nikorima / Picture: DiiMEX

A man believed to be Dale Copley / Picture: DiiMEX

Pearce was stripped of his captaincy of the Roosters, stood down from training and fined $50,000 by the club after video emerged of his drunken antics, including simulating a sex act with a dog while saying: “I want to f ... ing root animals.”

A spokesman for Double Bay’s Royal Oak hotel yesterday told The Daily Telegraph that Pearce was one of 15 Roosters players who converged on the hotel after a long Australia Day harbour cruise.

While most players decided to call it a night after last drinks were called, gifted playmaker Pearce kicked on — leaving the hotel about 11pm with several others and a Cabcharge docket provided by Roosters management.

He was later seen knocking back drinks at bar 34 Degrees South on Bondi’s Campbell Pde, where witnesses say Pearce was fuelled by complimentary drinks and was attempting to charm women.

“He was trying to pick up chicks, being a law-abiding citizen,” said one.

“When the Roosters boys come through it’s like an orgy.”

Roosters player Dale Copley at training yesterday / Picture: Ross Schultz

The 26-year-old is a regular of the flash 34 Degrees watering hole and, according to owner Allan Cunningham, a welcome guest.

“He was good as gold, every time I see him he’s a perfect gentleman,” Mr Cunningham said.

High-profile Roosters WAG Belinda Bartholomew, who is engaged to Pearce’s friend and teammate Aidan Guerra, told The Daily Telegraph: “All the other people who are in the video are also obviously upset and didn’t want any of this to happen.”

A frame from iPhone footage of Mitchell Pearce simulating a sexual act on a dog. Picture: DiiMEX

The Daily Telegraph understands that the person who shot the controversial video has more to say about the boozy evening but he and other partygoers were not taking calls yesterday.

The video shows Copley and Nikorima were just witnesses and appeared to be behaving appropriately, yet they are now dragged into the mess by their presence.

Copley is in the pink shirt and is merely sitting on a seat minding his own business, while Nikorima’s voice is heard yelling out to Pearce.

Mitchell Pearce on Australia Day. Picture: DiiMEX

A woman attempts to remove the dog. Picture: DiiMEX

Radio star and veteran league caller Ray Hadley yesterday called for Pearce to be fined $350,000 and stood down for 15 games. Ex-Origin forward and Grill Team host Mark Geyer said he should sit out a year on the sidelines.

Roosters legend Braith Anasta admitted he was worried for Pearce’s wellbeing, with the half-back’s career in the balance. “It’s disappointing,” Anasta said. “As much as he’s done the wrong thing, I’m feeling for him too.’’

Pearce did not return calls yesterday.