(FILES) A file photo taken on November 30, 2013, shows Australia's Jarryd Hayne (L) tackled during the 2013 Rugby League World Cup Final between Australia and New Zealand at Old Trafford in Manchester. Australian rugby league convert Jarryd Hayne said August 3, 2015 he is unfazed by the prospect of facing his first full-blooded collision with the San Francisco 49ers as he chases his dream of forging a career in the NFL. The 27-year-old former Australia, New South Wales and Parramatta Eels star signed with the 49ers in March during offseason workouts and is now battling to make the cut ahead of the start of the regular season in September. Hayne's speed and footwork have seen him earkmarked as being either a running back or a kick-returner on special teams. However he has revealed that he has been working on altering his distinctive upright running style that made him such a success in rugby league, aiming to get lower to make him harder to hit. AFP PHOTO/FILES/PAUL ELLIS

Sydney Roosters captain Mitchell Pearce’s simulated sex act with dog rocks Australian rugby league

Published: 11:27am, 28 Jan 2016

Sydney Roosters star half-back and co-captain Mitchell Pearce was stood down from training with the Australian rugby league side on Thursday after video emerged of him simulating a lewd act with a dog during drunken celebrations.

The 26-year-old Australian, who reportedly has two years left on a contract of about US$1.4 million contract, faces a lengthy suspension and fine.

He was caught shirtless on camera staggering around during Australia Day celebrations on Tuesday and sporting a large wet stain on his shorts.

Pearce takes a kiss off a woman before launching an expletive-laden outburst and ranting that he wanted to commit a sex act on the dog “and I don’t even care”.

The Club wishes to advise that Mitchell Pearce has been stood down from all training commitments until the club concludes its internal investigation

Sydney Roosters statement

The murky footage, aired on websites and television stations, shows him pick up a small white dog, reported to be a poodle-cross, and simulate sex before a woman pulls the animal away and orders him to leave.

“I care, you have peed on my couch, you have peed on yourself,” she shouts, before telling him to get out.

The Roosters announced an immediate investigation.

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

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

The National Rugby League’s Integrity Unit asked the Roosters for a report into the incident.

“The Integrity Unit will work with the Roosters to ensure the matter is dealt with appropriately,” a spokesman said.

The Sydney Morning Herald said the rival Daily Telegraph paid US$28,000 for rights to the mobile phone footage while Channel Nine coughed up.

Pearce lost his place in the New South Wales State of Origin team two years ago after CCTV footage showed him grabbing a woman at a nightclub following a complaint about his behaviour.

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