Mitchell Pearce's NSW State of Origin hopes are under a cloud as police investigate an early morning incident at a Kings Cross nightclub.
Police are investigating what they described as an "interaction" between NSW and Sydney Roosters halfback Pearce and another person near the nightclub dance floor about 1.30am on Sunday.
Channel Nine reported a "visibly distressed" young woman had approached police and pointed out Pearce.
He was escorted from the club by security and later arrested by police when he allegedly became argumentative and refused to leave the area.
While he was issued with an infringement notice involving a fine for failing to leave a licensed premises and banned from the area for 48 hours, police said they were continuing to investigate what happened inside, reviewing CCTV footage and seeking witnesses.
"At this stage they've just alleged to police an interaction that's occurred between two people," Inspector Craig Lowery told reporters.
"Someone who has witnessed the offence has alerted police to what's happened."
He wouldn't say whether the "interaction" was with a woman but he did confirm Pearce wasn't in a fight.
"... At this stage it's too early in the investigation to determine what's happened," Lowery said.
It wasn't the first trouble 25-year-old Pearce encountered that night.
He and his NSW Origin and Roosters teammate Boyd Cordner were asked to leave the Clovelly Hotel about 10.30pm on Saturday after allegedly becoming aggressive with security staff.
Several other Roosters players were also asked to leave as a result and it's understood Pearce and Cordner were told they're not welcome to return.
Incumbent halfback Pearce was seen as a certain selection for the NSW team to be named in nine days for the State of Origin series opener against Queensland in Brisbane on May 28.
He had helped spark the Roosters to a 30-6 NRL win against Wests Tigers on Friday night.
The Roosters issued a terse statement which made no reference to an incident inside the nightclub.
"The Sydney Roosters have been made aware that Mitchell Pearce was issued with an infringement notice for failure to quit a licensed premises overnight," the Roosters said.
"The infringement notice was issued and the fine paid.
"The Roosters have advised the NRL's Integrity Unit.
"From here, the club will address the matter internally and will be making no further comment."
