Canberra Raiders have slammed a decision by the NRL to increase full-back Jack Wighton's suspension to 10 games.
Wighton was banned for six games by the Raiders this week after he pleaded guilty to charges of assault and public urination.
But the NRL have intervened to impose a harsher suspension, as well as a 30,000 AUD fine, prompting an angry response from Canberra.
"After reviewing all of the facts surrounding this incident we firmly stand by our decision and the punishment handed down by the club," Raiders chairman Dr Allan Hawke AC said.
"We're disappointed to learn the NRL does not agree with this punishment and feel they have to come over the top and add a further four weeks and a monetary fine to the penalty.
"This penalty is excessive, as Jack still has to face further penalties imposed by the ACT Magistrate and Galambany Courts. We are perplexed as to why the NRL felt the need to impose further punishment before this process was concluded and it sets an extraordinary precedent to the way matters are handled by clubs in the future.
"In light of this, it appears clubs don't really have a role in imposing penalties on their own employees, so perhaps it's time for the NRL and its Integrity Unit to decide these matters, so that there will be a consistent approach for future offences.
"We will continue to support Jack in his rehabilitation."
Wighton appeared in the ACT Magistrates Court last week in relation to an incident that occurred outside a Canberra nightclub in February.
The 25-year-old, who was stood down for the Raiders' recent matches against Brisbane Broncos and Canterbury Bulldogs, has a sentencing hearing in November.
