Brisbane Broncos players facing fines for breaking Accor Stadium’s non-smoking rules
Following the Broncos’ incredible grand final victory over the Storm on Sunday night, there were unsightly scenes as the team’s rooms quickly resembled something from an unruly cigar bar.
Fans, families and children who were in the rooms were subjected to the stench of cigars and clouds of smoke as Broncos players lit up and puffed away despite a smoking ban in the venue.
WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: Broncos sink Storm in NRL grand final.
Sign up to The Nightly's newsletters.
Get the first look at the digital newspaper, curated daily stories and breaking headlines delivered to your inbox.
By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.Aware of the rules, Brisbane staff members did try to get the players to butt out their cigars with little luck.
The team is now facing a possible fine for breaking Accor Stadium’s non-smoking rules.
The players smoking and the cans of beer everywhere made for jarring pictures on TV screens, too, considering the amount of impressionable young people who were watching.
But as the cameras went down into the rooms to capture the scenes of jubilation, the thick smoke was impossible to avoid.
The club posted a video of the players smoking on social media, which did cop some backlash.
“And you have a young audience ... I really don’t think this is the most appropriate way to celebrate,” one fan said.
And another: “Probably not a good look for the kids.”
“Who cops the smoking indoors fine?” another fan asked.
While another noted: “Not the smoking ... you need your lungs for next year.”
Broncos forward Jordan Riki was quizzed about the smoking, and asked if it was something he regularly took part in.
“Nah, no way,” he said.
“I said no the first couple of times and then the boys were giving me a bit of stick and trying to just throw it back at my face.
“I had one or two puffs.”
After the cigar fest, the players took the celebrations to The Star Casino and then hooked up with their premiership-winning NRLW team at a private function in Kings Cross.
They returned to their hotel at 7am — some still in their team uniforms — and were flying back to Brisbane within hours for more festivities.
Fans have been asked to head to Suncorp Stadium to greet their heroes (today), with gates opening at 11.45am (local time).
The team is expected to arrive at 12.30pm with the event winding up at 2pm.
Originally published on 7NEWS Sport
