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CEO Phil Gardner issues blanket warning to players after a series of "minor" off incidents

Burns

First Grade
Messages
6,037
http://www.theherald.com.au/story/5...-cop-warning-about-off-field-behaviour/?cs=12

KNIGHTS chief executive Phil Gardner has laid down the law to the club’s players after a series of off-field incidents, including an episode of “push and shove” involving twin towers Daniel and Jacob Saifiti.

Rumours have surfaced in recent weeks surrounding high-profile Newcastle players and their extra-curricular antics, prompting Gardner to make inquiries at a number of licensed establishments.

He was satisfied that nobody had breached the club’s code of conduct but nonetheless felt a blanket warning was warranted to remind players of their obligations when out in public.

“We have work to do on our standards of behaviour,” Gardner told the Newcastle Herald.

“Not just the new players we have brought in, but our local guys as well. The standards of behaviour need to improve. We’ll be taking a very tough line with anyone whose standard of behaviour is not what is expected of a professional rugby league player.

“These guys, regardless of who it is, are paid well to play rugby league and also to uphold standards when they are out in the community.

“We’ll investigate any time anything is reported to us, whether it’s a push and a shove or whatever, and we’ll deal with it under our code of conduct.”

In the past fortnight the Herald has been told of after-hours incidents involving former Roosters Shaun Kenny-Dowall and Mitchell Pearce, and the Saifiti twins.

Gardner confirmed there have been “a couple of minor incidents out there … [but] nothing that’s required me to do anything more than give them a kick in the pants”.


He said reports about Kenny-Dowall and Pearce had filtered back to the club.

“We’ve investigated both those and we spoke to the bar staff and security, and both those incidents, we’ve not had to take any action against the players,” Gardner said.

“What we have done is remind them that, hey, this is Newcastle, you’re on display.

“Here in Newcastle, everyone is interested and if our players go out, they attract attention.”

Moreover, Gardner added that if players misbehaved, his myriad connections around Newcastle would ensure he was informed about any transgressions.

“If something happens, I’m probably going to know about it before these guys get home,” he said.

Gardner said the Saifiti brothers were remorseful after admitting to a physical confrontation that occurred at home.

“The good part is the boys self-reported,” he said.

“They put their hands up and said they’re sorry. They were given the rounds of the kitchen, but we’ve actually moved on.

“Under the code of conduct, there was nothing that required us to take any formal disciplinary action.”

Gardner added: “Have you ever had a push and shove with your brother?”

He said players “are entitled to have social lives” but they needed to be “mindful” that they were role models.

“If anyone breaches those standards, under our code of conduct we have a range of options, from fines, to suspension, through to termination of contracts,” he said.
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Hmm, interesting. Rothfield has a piece in the Daily Telegraph that there had been a 'bust up' between two players, not that concerned that it was the Saifiti brothers, I mean, they are brothers. Slightly more concerned on Pearce and SKD - although, I would not be surprised if it was just them being targeted by someone looking for 15min of fame.
 

Pedge1971

First Grade
Messages
5,898
For once I trust the clubs judgement. Pearce and SKD need to be careful not to put themselves in any kind of situation that could go bad though. They have history and dickheads will look to leverage that over them unfortunately
 

Spot On

Coach
Messages
13,897
Geezuz... surely those two have learnt something along the way the past 10 years.

Hope they all heed Gardiner's warning. Otherwise, see ya later.
 

Pedge1971

First Grade
Messages
5,898
Geezuz... surely those two have learnt something along the way the past 10 years.

Hope they all heed Gardiner's warning. Otherwise, see ya later.

Benefit of the doubt for now but no sympathy if they retaliate to some idiot who baits them on the drink. Sad thing is these poor buggers cannot do what everyone else their age can because of the profile if their job. But if u want the coin, toe the line.....
 

Hardcore_Fan

Juniors
Messages
1,489
It’s clearly a very very minor thing that happened. Now if the players didn’t know where Gardner stands on behaviour, they all do now.
 

Mr_Knightside

Juniors
Messages
2,155
This all seems pretty minor and nothing that would be out of the ordinary between people in any other workplace but I'm glad that Gardner is putting his foot down early on and drawing a line in the sand.
 

Noname36

First Grade
Messages
7,067
How is 2 twins having a scuff up in their own home at all news worthy?

Sounds incredibly minor from SKD and Pearce but they're going to need to learn asap that the minor shit they may have gotten away with in Sydney won't cut it here and it seems the club has made it known. I don't feel sorry for them with the whole "a guy their age working in construction doesn't have this spotlight" - no they don't, but they don't have their money either. It's part of the job and in all honesty they're getting older and are at an age and position within the club that the administration shouldn't have to worry about them going out and acting like dickheads.
 

Swarzey

Bench
Messages
4,165
Something that likely happens at every other club, that gets pushed aside and never spoken of beyond a single meeting. I know for plenty it creates a chance to take a shot at Pearce and SKD given their history but this is really a non-story.

However, I like that it's public because I don't think this behaviour - while it isn't problematic - shouldn't come up during the season. It shows the club's culture is evolving into a professional standard that will hopefully assist in better on field performances. Gardner is doing a nice job handling this and showing his class at the helm of the club.
 

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