NRL Las Vegas: Andrew Abdo puts players on notice following hotel scuffle between Hudson Young and Morgan Smithies

In the wake of revelations that Canberra players Morgan Smithies and Hudson Young traded blows after a late-night drinking session, Andrew Abdo has put all players on notice about their behaviour on and off the field.

NRL chief executive Andrew Abdo boarded a plane for Las Vegas on Tuesday morning (AEDT), but not before putting the game’s Las Vegas contingent on notice over their behaviour both on and off the field.

Abdo, speaking in the wake of revelations that Canberra players Morgan Smithies and Hudson Young traded blows after a late-night drinking session, insisted NRL players were well aware of their responsibilities to represent the game in the right way.

“NRL players are professionals and know they are expected to conduct themselves appropriately at all times,” Abdo said.

“We expect exceptional standards from our athletes on and off the field.”

The Raiders resisted standing down Smithies and Young after their boozy altercation, although both players were forced to front the media on Tuesday morning (AEDT) and explain their actions.

Canberra officials have taken a dim view of the matter and the players are likely to face sanctions when they return to the nation’s capital.

Andrew Abdo put the players on notice following the incident. Picture: NewsWire / John Appleyard

The NRL integrity unit is also investigating the matter and it is understood they will formally request permission to review CCTV footage of the incident once they arrive in Las Vegas.

What we already know is that Smithies and Young came to blows after an argument over sleeping arrangements led to a wrestle which escalated into a fight.

The pair were evicted from the hotel by security before being given the green light to return.

Canberra Raiders players Hudson Young and Morgan Smithies front the media regarding the incident. Picture: Jonathan Ng

The Raiders duo were not alone in their frustrations over the sleeping arrangements at Resorts World, the NRL’s chosen hotel partner.

Guests have been forced to wait hours on end to check into their rooms after issues with the computer system at the resort.

The NRL players were not immune and frustrations with the system boiled over – it is understood Smithies wanted to share a room with Young.

At one point, it is understood security knocked on the door of a Penrith player mistakenly believing the room was empty

Panthers players were reluctant to buy into the issue, insisting their focus was on themselves and representing their club in the best light.

“I heard about that on socials,” Penrith prop Moses Leota said.

“Just glad it is not us to be honest. As long as we’re alright, I think that is all that matters. Their club will take care of it.”

Fullback Dylan Edwards added: “It wasn’t my door. I was sound (asleep) by then. That is something or Canberra to deal with. Apparently they have dealt with it well.

“It is a bit of a personal onus on how you want to represent yourself and represent the club. We have a great bunch of boys there who just like enjoying each other’c company and being round each other. You just have to behave I suppose.”

Originally published as NRL Las Vegas: Andrew Abdo puts players on notice following hotel scuffle between Hudson Young and Morgan Smithies