Premiers face off-field drama

The Penrith Panthers have become the latest club to find themselves embroiled in an off-field controversy, with three players involved in an alleged assault over the weekend.

Three lower grade players - Richard Fa'aoso, Luke Cross and Albert Peters - have been suspended by the club, with CEO Shane Richardson deciding to take immediate action against them.

The incident, which involves the alleged assault of a taxi driver, happened in Parramatta last night. "This is an extremely serious matter," Richardson said. "The three players have been suspended pending a disciplinary hearing.

"Any further consideration and action will take into account the result of the disciplinary hearing and the court case. "This club will always hold players accountable for their actions."

The players are expected to face Parramatta Local Court next month. It's believed that Richardson posted bail for the trio.

The alleged assault follows the Bulldogs sex scandal and rape allegations against two Melbourne Storm players.