The Newcastle Knights have torn up the contract of promising young hooker Terence Seu Seu after he was arrested for drink driving on Monday morning.
The up-and-coming playmaker was pulled over by police in the Newcastle suburb of New Lambton, and blew a mid-range alcohol level.
Knights CEO Steve Burraston announced at a press conference on Wednesday afternoon that the talented 20-year-old's future at the Newcastle club was over.
"We thought it was in the best interest of the club that we terminate his contract," Burraston said.
"Unfortunately this is not the first time Terence has been involved in an alcohol-related incident and he was well aware that he was on his final warning."
"We drew a line in the sand towards the end of 2007 and we are determined not to make the same mistakes we may have made in the past."
"I hope this serves as a warning to others how serious we are about creating a new culture at the Knights and our determination to make this club a family focused environment."
The Knights boss said the decision to sack Seu Seu was one of the 'toughest calls' but said the club has worked hard to rebuild its image after a series of off-field incidents, including last year's shock admission by champion halfback Andrew Johns that he used drugs during his playing days at the Newcastle club.
"Everyone needs to understand the Knights are the losers here," he said.
"We have invested enormous resources in terms of time, money and education into the player (Seu Seu) and we know it's likely that another club will benefit from that."
"I feel for Terence, he is one of the most talented young players in the NRL and this decision will certainly hurt our club's playing depth."
"(But) we have a genuine will to create a new culture and everyone must understand this is a new club with new values and we have a responsibility to the community to uphold those values."
"We have a responsibility to our sponsors, supporters and the community to show leadership in these situations. After all, driving under the influence of alcohol is a serious offence."