Gower apologises

Embattled Penrith skipper Craig Gower has "unreservedly" apologised to rugby league legend Wayne Pearce's family as his NRL club prepares to consider his immediate future.

Gower has finally broken his silence over allegations that emerged after his appearance at last week's Jack Newton Celebrity Golf Classic at Peregian Waters. The most serious claim was that a drunk Gower groped Pearce's 17-year-old daughter Tatum at the event's after-party at the Twin Waters Resort.

Penrith Chief Executive Glenn Matthews has confirmed Gower could be fined up to a quarter of his annual salary - around $100,000 - when his fate is decided at a Panthers board meeting.