 Gasnier has now left the New South Wales training camp |
Centre Mark Gasnier has made a full apology after he was expelled from the New South Wales squad for making an obscene phone call to a woman. The 22-year-old player will now miss next week's State of Origin game and has been sent back to his club, St George-Illawarra.
"I was under the influence of alcohol but I understand I have to be responsible for my actions," he said.
"I will make contact with the person to personally apologise."
Gasnier has been fined by his club and also banned indefinitely.
"I certainly apologise for this. I have paid a huge price for my actions in the circumstances. It has been my life ambition to play in the State of Origin," he added.
It is the latest in a series of embarrassing incidents to hit Australia's National Rugby League.
In February, several Canterbury Bulldogs players were investigated after an alleged sexual assault although no charges were brought.
However, the Bulldogs did impose heavy fines on several players for breaching the club's code of conduct.
The incident sparked a series of similar allegations involving rugby league players.
 |  We rely on the players to show some common sense |
Gasnier had been training with the New South Wales squad ahead of Wednesday's game against arch rivals Queensland.
New South Wales Rugby League chairman Geoff Carr said Gasnier had made the call from a team-mate's mobile phone and had been identified as the caller after team management heard a recording of the message.
Gasnier had then admitted making the call, Carr said.
"We're in the position where we rely on the players to show some common sense and on this occasion it didn't happen," he added.
Brisbane Broncos center Mick De Vere, who played for Australia in the win over New Zealand last month, was drafted into the New South Wales squad as Gasnier's replacement.
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