The Gold Coast Titans coach Neil Henry is worried about the welfare of New Zealand Test forward Kevin Proctor as he grapples with the fallout of his alleged illicit drug use outside a Canberra night club over the weekend.
Police say they Proctor and Kiwi captain Jesse Bromwich on CCTV consuming a white substance following the Kiwis' Test loss to Australia.
Proctor has stood himself down from playing and his role as co-captain at the club.
Kiwis and Gold Coast Titans player Kevin Proctor. Photo: Photosport
Henry said the club needs to be protective of Proctor and his family.
"He's shattered by his own actions and not denying what he did and he's really remorseful," Henry said.
"It's really out of character for him and I was shocked by the news."
Henry insisted Proctor's standing at the club remained in tact.
"Kevin Procter has made a mistake and he's remorseful for that, but it doesn't take away from what he has done and achieved in the game so far. He is still a respected player."
It's not the first time the club has dealt with a drugs scandal.
In 2015, five contracted Titans, including former representative players Greg Bird and Dave Taylor, were caught up in a Crime and Corruption Commission investigation into a cocaine dealer.
Charges against Bird were later dropped while Taylor pleaded guilty to drug possession.
All of the players involved have since left the Titans.
"The club has a great history of dealing with these things and putting in place measures," Henry said.
Proctor's 'taken it on the chin'
With Proctor stood down and his future at the club uncertain, Ryan James has assumed sole captaincy.
James played his junior football with Proctor and said his team-mate has lost some respect within the team.
"He is coming to speak with us....and actions speak louder than words, so when he starts leading again with actions, he gains our respect back," James said.
Proctor will meet with the board, and they will decide what penalty will be imposed.
"He knows he's made a mistake, he's only human," James said.
"Kevie's owned up to it all and he's taken it on the chin."
The 28-year-old has not been named in this weekend's side which will take on his former club, the Melbourne Storm, in Saturday's NRL double-header in Brisbane.
-ABC
