The NRL Integrity and Compliance Unit has today suspended referee Gavin Morris for the first two rounds of the Telstra Premiership, imposed a suspended $5,000 fine and ordered he undertake a counselling program for a breach of the NRL’s Code of Conduct.
Morris has accepted the penalty and waived his right to appeal.
"The Integrity Unit has a clear mechanism for assessing issues. It is important to note that process has been followed in this case, as it would for any incident involving a player or club official," said NRL Chief Operating Officer, Mr Jim Doyle.
"The Integrity Unit's investigation found that there was behaviour that brought the image of the game into disrepute and we have taken appropriate action."