The Warriors have put Manu Vatuvei on medical leave following his disciplining for breaching team standards, after it emerged he and several other players mixed prescription drugs and energy drinks during a night out.
The club's managing director Jim Doyle said in a statement that Vatuvei was put on leave following medical advice.
“We would ask that everyone respects his and his family’s right to privacy at this time," he said.
Vatuvei lashed out at critics on his Instagram account on Monday, saying: "If you wanna talk about me behind my back why don't you come say it to my face… Look in the mirror before you say something about other people…."
Doyle said the club is also continuing to focus on the welfare of the other five players who were disciplined in the wake of the Warriors' loss to Melbourne on Anzac Day.
“We are also continuing to have meetings with the other players following last week’s events.
“As our discussions with all players involved are confidential, we won’t be releasing any further details or making further comment at this stage.”
Vatuvei, along with Ben Matulino, Bodene Thompson, Albert Vete, Sam Lisone and Konrad Hurrell, was dropped from Sunday's NRL match against St George Illawarra in Auckland.
Vatuvei, Matulino and Thompson have also been ruled ineligible for Friday's trans-Tasman Test against Australia in Newcastle.
Newshub.
