Gold Coast Titans rookie Paul Carter has been stood down effective immediately after he was charged with high range drink driving by police on Wednesday night.
Carter, who was named in the second row to play against Melbourne on Monday night, has been a revelation since earning an NRL debut in Round 1 and with co-captains Greg Bird and Nate Myles along with Dave Taylor in their respective Origin camps is a further blow to a side seeking to avoid a fourth straight loss.
"Titans forward Paul Carter has been stood down, effective immediately, from playing by the club after being charged by police overnight with high range drink driving," the club said in a statement released on Thursday afternoon.
"The NRL’s Integrity Unit has been advised of the offence and the club will continue to work closely with the NRL as the matter is further investigated."
The club stated that no further comment will be made at this stage.