Melbourne Storm stars face heavy punishment over white powder video

The Melbourne Storm players seen on video in a room with white powder are facing hefty fines and suspensions as the NRL investigates.

Melbourne Storm player Brandon Smith was seen in the video. Picture: Supplied

Melbourne Storm players seen on video in a room with white powder are reportedly in line to face heavy sanctions.

The videos spreading on social media – which have been seen by news.com.au – emerged on Monday night, rocking the NRL’s Dally M Awards gala event in Brisbane.

The Storm issued a brief statement on Tuesday after the video showed two players, since publicly identified to be Brandon Smith and Cameron Munster, in a crowded room with a white substance on a table.

“Melbourne Storm is aware of a video provided to the NRL Integrity Unit yesterday,” the club said in the statement.

“The club and players involved are co-operating with the NRL Integrity Unit investigation.

“As the matter is currently under investigation, the club is not in a position to comment further until this process has been completed.”

The Storm issued another statement on Tuesday night, confirming Munster and Smith, as well as a third player – Chris Lewis – had been interviewed by the NRL Integrity Unit and had co-operated with the investigation.

The Storm incident comes after Warriors fullback Reece Walsh admitted on the weekend he was in possession of cocaine and arrested by police in a separate controversy on the Gold Coast.

Speaking on NRL 360 on Tuesday night, The Daily Telegraph rugby league reporter Phil Rothfield said the players involved were facing hefty fines as well as suspensions.

Cameron Munster was criticised for his performance in the preliminary final. Picture: Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images

“The (NRL) Integrity Unit believe they have enough to charge three players for bringing the game into disrepute and spoiling Dally M night with unwarranted headlines for the game in what’s already been a tough year,” Rothfield said.

“My mail is they are going to be suspended for two weeks, it could go to four weeks. They won’t start next year and the fines are going to be very heavy.

“Cameron Munster will be fined up to $40,000, Brandon Smith $20,000, Reece Walsh from the Warriors probably $5000, Chris Lewis $5000.”

In its second statement on Tuesday, Storm CEO Justin Rodski said he was “very disappointed” with the situation and the club was also conducting its own investigation into the incident.

“The club is taking this matter extremely seriously. We are very disappointed to be in this position and will be thorough in our response,” Mr Rodski said

“The players involved have fully co-operated with the NRL and the NRL Integrity Unit investigation. It is our understanding this investigation is unlikely to be concluded this week.

“Melbourne Storm unashamedly sets high standards and makes no apologies for protecting and upholding the professionalism and values of our organisation.

“The club is conducting its own investigation into the matter and will provide an update on our findings in conjunction with the NRL when both processes have concluded.

“The club will make no further comment on the matter until the NRL Integrity Unit has concluded its investigations.”

Speaking on 3AW’s Sportsday on Tuesday, Storm general manager of football Frank Ponissi said everyone at the club was “bitterly disappointed”.

The Storm missed out on a place in this year’s Grand Final after losing to Penrith in the preliminary final on Saturday.

Brandon Smith is one of the players being investigated by the NRL Integrity Unit. Picture: Robert Cianflone/Getty Images