The playing future of Kiwi rugby league international Shaun Kenny-Dowall is in doubt following charges of domestic violence against the Sydney Roosters winger.
Kenny-Dowall is due to appear in court in Sydney this week after he sat out his club side's NRL win over the Warriors at the weekend.
The National Rugby League chief executive Dave Smith has said on Twitter that any player found guilty would be banned from the game for a significant period, but warned against prejudging Kenny-Dowall.
"The NRL abhors domestic violence & there are serious consequences to anyone who's guilty. Courts determine guilt no one else" Smith said in comments attributed to him on the NRL's official Twitter feed.
"There is no place for violence against women in this sport. If guilty you will be out a long time-very dangerous to prejudge."
The Roosters are bracing for a series of off-field distractions, with another player Australia international Michael Jennings also due to appear in court.
Jennings is charged with hindering police and offensive behaviour.
To add to the their troubles prop Willis Meehan was sacked last week in the wake of allegations over his involvement in a robbery earlier this year.
