The NRL has come down hard on Newcastle NRLW player Caitlin Moran, banning her for a social media post following the death of Queen Elizabeth II.
Moran created headlines last week over the comments which appeared to celebrate the Queen's death, in the hours after the news broke on Friday.
The post was eventually deleted after around eight hours, but screenshots of it have been viewed by the NRL's integrity unit.
The NRL announced on Tuesday they planned on banning Moran for one match, which equates to one-sixth of the NRLW season.
The former Jillaroos back becomes the first women's player to be banned for an off-field matter in the NRLW's history.
The Indigenous Knights star also received a suspended fine of 25 per cent and forced to undergo education and training around the appropriate use of social media.
It comes after Knights coach Ronald Griffiths came to the defence of his fullback after the Knights' loss to the Sydney Roosters on Sunday.
"The relationship between Indigenous people and the monarchy is a complicated one," Griffiths said.
"If Caitlin has done something then it will be investigated by the Integrity Unit and we'll work our way through the process.
"We're talking a little bit of negativity with Caitlin, but if we look at we're she's come from, in 2017 she wins us the World Cup and does her knee the year after and has probably in the wilderness since then."
However the NRL said the comments were unacceptable, no matter the circumstances.
"Rugby league is an inclusive game and has a proud and strong relationship with many communities," the league said in a statement.
"Regardless of any personal views, all players and officials must adhere to the professional standards expected of them and on this occasion the public comments made by the player have caused damage to the game."
Moran was not named by the Knights for their final-round clash with St George Illawarra, with Tamika Upton returning at fullback.
In a statement, the Knights said the club supported the integrity unit's decision and that it "will continue to provide Moran with appropriate support and will be making no further comment on the matter".
WHAT DO YOU THINK? We've made it a whole lot easier for you to have your say. Our new comment platform requires only one log-in to access articles and to join the discussion on the Newcastle Herald website. Find out how to register so you can enjoy civil, friendly and engaging discussions. Sign up for a subscription here.
