KNIGHTS DUMP SEU SEU
Wednesday 5 Mar 2008 16:40
by (Press Release)
Source:
www.newcastleknights.com.au
The Newcastle Knights have today terminated the playing contract of hooker, Terence Seu Seu.
A club disciplinary committee determined yesterday the 20-year-old had a case to answer following repeat offences, culminating in a failed random breath test early Monday morning when he was charged with a mid-range PCA driving offence.
Seu Seu was summonsed to front an urgent Board meeting with legal representation this afternoon and given the opportunity to present his case.
After taking his previous off-field record into consideration, the Newcastle Knights Board and CEO voted to cancel Seu Seu's contract.
"To be faced with telling a talented young player his NRL career has finished with the Knights because of an off field incident is one of the toughest calls a CEO will ever make," said Knights Chief Executive Officer, Steve Burraston.
"Everyone needs to understand the Knights are the losers here. We have invested enormous resources in terms of time, money and education into the player and we know it's likely that another club will benefit from that.
"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.
"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, he said.
Although his contract has been terminated, Seu Seu will continue to have access to the club's welfare and counselling resources with the Newcastle Knights committed to helping him through a difficult personal battle.
"Terence is aware he needs to address his alcohol issues and we will do everything we can to help rehabilitate him," Mr Burraston said.
"He is facing a time in his life when he needs help and support and although he will no longer be a Knights player, we want to help him start a new life.
"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.
"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."
