NRL to investigate Paul Gallen over abusive twitter comment

NSW ORIGIN skipper Paul Gallen is facing a hefty fine and NRL investigation after an abusive spray at the code’s bosses on social media.

NSW captain, Paul Gallen, at Brisbane Airport boarding a flight to Sydney after winning the 2014 State of Origin series. Pics Tara Croser.

NSW ORIGIN skipper Paul Gallen is facing a hefty fine from the Cronulla Sharks for posting offensive remarks on social media on Thursday and slamming the NRL.

The Sharks notified Gallen’s manager, David Riolo, last night that the suspended forward would be required to front the Cronulla board next week to explain his actions.

Gallen, who is on holiday in Hawaii, sent the following tweet to Daily Telegraph writer David Riccio following the sacking of chief executive Steve Noyce:

“@DaveRic1 Steve Noice (sic) actually cared about players from cronulla’s feelings. Couldn’t say that about any other c--- from Nrl.’

Looks like Paul Gallen isn't a fan of the suits at the NRL. pic.twitter.com/G4qJ3G5LmO

— BETSTAR.COM.AU (@betstarblast) October 23, 2014

He deleted the tweet about an hour later, then posted a photo of himself with Mitchell Pearce at a bar that indicated he’d enjoyed a long drinking session. “4 drinks for $5 RSA. OMG no wonder I’m hung. Good times. Time to fly home,” he wrote.

“We’re disappointed by his comments,” said Sharks chairman Damian Keogh. “He’s

overseas and obviously unaware of how his comments have been received.

“He has to consider his responsibilities as our club and NSW captain. Paul has been asked through his manager to appear before the board next week for a please explain.”

4 drinks for $5 RSA. OMG no wonder I'm hung. Good times. Time to fly home http://t.co/dn5GGAklia

— Paul Gallen (@PaulGallen13) October 22, 2014

The NRL management is privately fuming over Gallen’s remarks and will closely monitor the Sharks’ handling of the case.

CEO Dave Smith and the integrity unit are certain to step in with a harsh penalty if the Sharks’ punishment is deemed to be insufficient.

“We will consider the comments against the code of conduct and if there is any disrepute or anything we are not happy with then we will take the respective action but I genuinely haven’t seen the comments,” Smith said.

Smith denied there was resentment over how the NRL had handled the ASADA ­investigation.

“It was a very emotional year for everyone,” Smith said.

“The impact it had on players and families across the board was really significant.

“I don’t think we should underestimate that. The point is that the chapter is closed and we move into season 2015 — we have to move on.”

Paul Gallen enjoying himself with Mitch Pearce in Hawaii.

Gallen’s Twitter account has made news before, most notably for an angry exchange with former NRL coach Brian Smith in August of 2013.

On that occasion, Gallen said it was his father who tweeted, not him.

“I warned him what it would do but he came down from Queensland for his 59th birthday yesterday, so I let him jump on and he went a bit mad,” Gallen told Sky Sports Radio at the time.

Sharks chairman Damian Keogh confirmed the Noyce move in a media statement on Wednesday night.

“We have had a look at effective operating models of some of the top sporting clubs locally and internationally and it was apparent that we need an operating and leadership model to maximise the opportunities ahead of the club in the next few years,” Keogh said in the statement.

“We have come through two of the hardest years in the history of the club and it is now time to move forward.

“We have considerable revenue coming to the club from our development over the next few years and must invest this wisely to ensure our long term viability in the NRL.

Gallen has made his thoughts clear on the NRL.

“I would like to thank Steve Noyce for his dedication and commitment over the past two years.

“His experience in guiding the club through the ASADA issue was invaluable.

“He leaves the club with great respect and many supporters.” The Sharks are now on the lookout for a group CEO.

Sharks Leagues Club CEO Marcelo Veloz will fill the role in an interim capacity.

“We are very enthusiastic about the future of the Sharks both as a successful NRL franchise and a business,” Keogh continued.

Originally published as NRL to investigate Paul Gallen over abusive twitter comment