South Sydney hooker Issac Luke has been fined $10,000 ($5000 suspended) and will be required to undergo an education program after making a homophobic slur on social media.
The NRL said today there was no place for vilification of any kind in Rugby League.
A spokesman said Luke believed he had been provoked into posting the offensive comment and had withdrawn it and apologised soon afterwards.
"We believe that education is the most important element in dealing with vilification matters such as this," the spokesman said.
"So we will require Issac to undertake an education program in tolerance and equity in addition to the financial penalty."