Brisbane coach Kevin Walters has cut a press conference short after refusing to answer questions about star player Payne Haas, who pleaded guilty to intimidating police just hours earlier.
The NSW Origin talent was handed a two-year conditional release order in a Tweed Heads court on Thursday after he used offensive language at police during an alcohol-fuelled night last month.
He is expected to be fined or suspended next week when an NRL integrity unit investigation is finalised.
Club sanctions could be added to any penalty issued to the two-time Broncos' best and fairest, who missed the first four weeks of last season for failing to cooperate with an NRL integrity unit probe.
Asked to comment on the 21-year-old's behaviour, first-year NRL coach Walters attempted to deflect the line of questioning.
"I think we'll stick to what we're talking about here, I'll leave that one alone," he said at the promotion of a Townsville fight night featuring a host of current and former NRL players.
"I can (avoid it), I can just say no. I'll talk about it in an appropriate environment. We're here to talk about the boxing."
Asked if he was disappointed in Haas, Walters said: "The boxing is great, it's going to be a fun night."
Walters even bizarrely refused to elaborate when asked for his thoughts on the appointment of Paul Green as Queensland coach earlier that day and ended the press conference when asked about the future of hooker Andrew McCullough, who has been linked to a move to St George Illawarra.
The Broncos hired Walters on the back of their worst NRL season, with the former champion playmaker pledging to improve the culture at Red Hill after a historic wooden spoon.
Haas had been among the contenders to lead the club and apologised in a written club statement after his court appearance, in which no conviction was recorded.
"I take full responsibility for what happened and I'm extremely sorry for my actions on that night," Haas said.
"I have gone to see the police officers involved and offered them a full apology for my conduct, as well as spending time with police going through what I did.
"I had been drinking and the words I used and the way I acted were totally unacceptable.
"I'd like to thank the police for taking the time to see me, and accepting my apology."
Australian Associated Press
