Broncos coach Michael Maguire has again proved he won’t tolerate off-field antics from his stars, dropping winger Josiah Karapani ahead of Saturday night’s derby against the Titans.
Karapani, 24, was issued a $1001 fine for a public nuisance offence after becoming embroiled in a heated argument with patrons outside a Brisbane pub in Fortitude Valley.
The incident unfolded around 3.30am last Saturday morning, just hours after Karapani played in the 26-12 win against the Dolphins on March 27 at Suncorp Stadium.
Daily Mail understands Karapani had a verbal altercation with some members of the public.
The premiership-winner wasn’t charged, but Maguire still opted to swing the axe.
It comes after teammate Gehamat Shibasaki was stood down for one game after the Queensland Origin and Kangaroos centre had a boozy bender on the eve of the NRL finals – as well as the previous Ezra Mam drug-driving scandal.
Five-eighth Mam was handed a nine-game suspension and fined a total of $120,000 from the Broncos and NRL for bringing the game into disrepute.
‘We are creating a culture here that we believe will take us to the success of what keeps the Broncos at the highest level,’ Maguire told News Corp.
‘I really believe in Josiah, I’ve seen him develop over the past 12 months.
‘He has been able to show that he can play at the highest level… but you have to make sure that everything around you is in the right place to do that, week in, week out.’
Following a poor start to the season which included a shock home defeat against Parramatta, the Broncos have seemingly found their groove.
They broke a 10-year hoodoo to beat the Melbourne Storm at AAMI Park in round three on March 20 before backing up to outclass the Dolphins at Suncorp Stadium.
On Saturday night, they face another Queensland derby when they take on the Gold Coast Titans.
Josh Hannay’s men will be in a confident mood after beating the Dragons on home soil last start.
The clash will also see the Haas brothers – Klese (Titans) and Payne (Broncos) – go head to head.
According to the TAB, Brisbane are rated a $7.50 chance to win the NRL premiership behind early pacesetters Penrith ($3).
