Pearce stood down by Roosters

Mitchell Pearce has been stood down by the Sydney Roosters as the NRL club investigates his involvement in an Australia Day incident.

Pearce was filmed in a drunken state an Australia Day party, allegedly urinating on himself and simulating a sex act with a dog. The Roosters co-captain has been taken out of club training.

“The Club wishes to advise that Mitchell Pearce has been stood down from all training commitments until the Club concludes its internal investigation,” the Roosters statement said.

“The Club continues to work closely with the NRL Integrity Unit and will be making no further comment at this time.”

Roosters coach Trent Robinson told Sydney media on Thursday morning that Pearce’s behaviour was unnaceptable.

“The behaviour was unacceptable. We understand that,” he said.

“We can’t accept that and we won’t. I’ve had discussions with him [Pearce] both yesterday and this morning and that will continue.

“It’s too difficult to make a decision on his long-term future at this time.”