The six Warriors rugby league players suspended for mixing prescription medication with energy drinks have apologised.
The group were involved in a night out the day after the side's 42-nil drubbing by the Melbourne Storm two weeks ago.
Manu Vatuvei, Ben Matulino, Bodene Thompson, Sam Lisone and Albert Vete all admitted taking the concoction but Konrad Hurrell denied he took any of the drugs. They were supsended for one NRL match.
Manu Vatuvei is back off medical leave. Photo: Photosport
Vatuvei, Matulino and Thompson were also suspended for the Kiwis test against Australia.
Vatuvei was also put on medical leave but rejoined the team today while the other five players all resumed training last week.
The club has never said what the players did apart from saying they breached team protocol, however RNZ has been told by several sources close to the club that the players had mixed prescription drugs with energy drinks.
In a statement released by the club, the players apologised for letting down their fans, team-mates and Warriors staff.
In a statement the players said:
"We're sorry for the embarrassment we've caused everyone who works for and supports the club.
"We didn't meet club standards and know how much we have disappointed our families, team-mates, staff, sponsors, members and fans. Most of all, we let ourselves down.
"We have a lot of work to do to regain respect from those around us but we are fully committed to showing them how much they mean to us and how much we care for our club.
"We'd like to thank everyone who has supported us over the last week, especially the people at the club. Now we just want to look ahead and do all we can to help our team and the club."
Warriors managing director Jim Doyle said there would be ongoing discussions with the team about the standards of behaviour expected.
"We continue to work with them on welfare and education matters," he said.
"We've also readdressed team standards with the entire squad."
