NRL issues one-game ban to Brisbane Broncos players Payne Haas, Albert Kelly for off-field scrap

Brisbane Broncos pair Payne Haas and Albert Kelly have each been issued a fine plus a one-game ban by the NRL, who claim their off-field altercation brought the game to disrepute.

The duo were filmed in a physical scrap outside a venue on March 20, the scuffle allegedly sparked when Kelly trod on Haas's new shoes.

Footage of the incident didn't surface for two weeks, with the club's impressive 2-0 start evaporating with two-straight losses in that time and Kelly also suffering a long-term foot injury.

The notices propose that Haas — who has twice before been the subject of NRL integrity unit investigations — be suspended for one match and fined $10,000.

Kelly — who was let go from Cronulla and Newcastle for disciplinary issues before making headlines for similar antics with Hull in England — faces a $5,000 fine and a one-game ban.

«In considering the proposed penalty, the NRL has taken into account previous transgressions and his status as a senior player in the game,» an NRL statement read of Haas.

Coach Kevin Walters had last week played down the incident and defended the Broncos' culture.

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However, unless the players successfully appeal the decision, Brisbane will be without representative prop Haas for Friday's clash with table-topping Penrith.

The penalty is the latest in a string of off-field dramas for Haas and comes as rival clubs prepare big-money deals for his services.

The 22-year-old was last year handed a good behaviour bond over an altercation with police in Tweed Heads, where he was accused of intimidating a female officer.

He was fined $50,000 by the NRL and suspended for three matches.

That incident came after Haas was also suspended for