Anthony Minichiello's back pain returns

Sydney Roosters fullback Anthony Minichiello has been ruled out of NRL action indefinitely after experiencing back pain in the days following his club's win over the Bulldogs last Friday.

Former Test fullback Minichiello has been cleared of any serious damage to his back but given his history of back-related troubles over the past two seasons the club has stood him down until he's completely pain-free.

Minichiello and the club are adamant this is not a career-threatening recurrence but rather a precautionary effort to prolong his career.

Minichiello is one of three team changes for the Roosters' clash with Penrith on Saturday, with prop Willie Mason ruled out for at least a week with a grade one knee medial ligament tear and prop David Shillington stood down for breaching the club's strict alcohol consumption policy.

Shillington was late to training on Monday morning and admitted to club officials he had been drinking the night before.

Last week, Roosters players signed off on an intra-club policy which states that players can only drink on the day immediately following the game.