Gower demands apology

Penrith captain and New South Wales halfback Craig Gower has demanded an apology over being fined by the ARL and plans to appeal the decision.

Gower was among a host of players fined in the wake of the voicemail sex scandal that has rocked the game. But the premiership winning skipper has not been accused of any wrongdoing and was not involved in making the lewd phone call that led to the sacking of Dragons star Mark Gasnier from the NSW State of Origin side.

Gower was fined for being among a group of players who decided to go out after the Blues? bonding session had finished last Tuesday night. But he claims there was no curfew, a claim supported by the ARL and team management, and is demanding to know exactly why he was fined.

It?s understood Gower was not drinking on the night.

Further action against players is expected today, while team manager Chris Johns will be sacked this afternoon. Forward Willie Mason is expected to be grilled again by officials over his behaviour in recent weeks, while Radio 2GB will be filing an official complaint today over his language at a function on Thursday.

In other developments:

- Sydney newspaper The Sun Herald is under fire after revealing the name of the woman who received last Wednesday morning?s obscene phone call from Mark Gasnier. The woman is said to be shocked at the article and claims the quotes attributed to her are not correct.

- The Blues are back in camp after the disruptions of the past week and are preparing for Wednesday night?s first Origin match against Queensland. Five players have apologised to coach Phil Gould for their behaviour last week.

? Roosters star Anthony Minichiello has ruled out appealing against his sacking from the side.

? The ARL have hired a private investigator to look into the events of the past week.

The ARL are expected to hold a press conference this afternoon to bring the public up to speed on the latest events.