Lane apologises for Mad Monday photos but denies breaking law

Eels forward Shaun Lane has apologised for the "joke" that led to him being splashed across the front page of newspapers holding bags of white powder during Manly's Mad Monday celebrations.

Lane was fined $17,500 for bringing the game into disrepute following an NRL Integrity Unit investigation, and must also deliver a PowerPoint presentation to his teammates and Parramatta under 20s players on the incident.

He denied taking any illicit substance, with Lane's co-operation with the NRL's investigation and his remorse contributing to him copping a financial penalty instead of a suspension.

The Eels back-rower did not deny knowing who had leaked screenshots of the video he had circulated via private messenger.

But he ruled out pursuing legal action over their distribution without his permission, preferring to bring the saga to a close.

"It was sent as a joke to a bunch of people," Lane said on Monday.

"I went through a process with the Integrity Unit and told them everything.

"If the suggestions are that it was any illicit substances or anything like that, I didn't do anything illegal and that's what I told them and that's what they found as well.

"I've got my punishment for what I have done and I take full accountability for taking that photo, for looking silly and bringing the game into disrepute.

I take full accountability for taking that photo, for looking silly and bringing the game into disrepute.

Shaun Lane

"I'm very apologetic for everything I've done. I hope other players can learn from it and they don't put themselves in that position."

The unsavoury coverage for Lane and the NRL has again sparked debate around Mad Monday celebrations and whether they should remain in the game.

Parramatta have made no plans for their post-season yet with the club set to return to the finals football in three weeks time.

But Lane said players still deserved a chance to unwind once their playing commitments wrap up for the year.

"I think NRL players are very disciplined and it is not very often we get the chance to let our hair down and enjoy ourselves," he said.

"I think a lot of the celebrations are quite often good and fun and there's nothing wrong really done.

"Quite often we take ourselves out of the public eye on purpose to not cause any dramas.

"But sometimes an idiot like me comes out and takes a photo of themselves doing something stupid and causes a bit of drama."

With the Lane case now closed, he and the Eels turn their attention to Thursday's local derby with Canterbury and their bid for a top-four finish.