The NRL has hit Cowboys star Valentine Holmes with a one-game ban and a $25,000 fine following his white powder scandal last month.
Holmes was drinking and uploaded a photo to his own social media holding a small bag containing white powder in his mouth.
The post was quickly deleted but not before a screenshot was taken and widely circulated, with Holmes the next day claiming it was a practical joke gone wrong.
However, the 28-year-old was still picked in Mal Meninga’s Kangaroos Pacific Championships squad, which means Holmes will serve his ban when Australia hosts New Zealand on October 14.
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“The NRL has determined to impose the following penalty: a one match suspension, a fine in the amount of $25,000, a requirement to undertake appropriate remediation and attend such education and training as advised by the NRL,” a statement read on Tuesday afternoon.
“The player was selected for the Australian Kangaroos squad today and will therefore serve the Match suspension in the Kangaroos’ first Test Match of the upcoming Pacific Championships.”
