Riddell and
Smith dropped to reserves

Parramatta Eels hooker Mark Riddell and halfback Tim Smith have been dropped from first grade for this Friday's NRL match against the Penrith Panthers. The duo will be relegated to Premier League and fined $5,000 each after turning up to training drunk yesterday.

The incident follows the shock resignation of coach Brian Smith yesterday with Jason Taylor taking over as interim coach.

Eels chief executive Denis Fitzgerald said the pair had been drinking together at a local pub but the inicident was not related to Brian Smith's departure.

"They have let a number of people down with their behaviour, and the club will not tolerate it," Fitzgerald told the ABC.

"It's rare for any Parramatta players to have any problems off the field and we pride ourselves on the good culture that's been set down.

"[It's] a lot to do with Brian Smith and certainly a lot to do with the senior players, Hindmarsh, [Nathan] Cayless and [Michael] Vella in the nine years they've been with the club."

Both players have issued apologies and Riddell said he was embarrassed by his actions.

"I've brought the club into disrepute," he admitted.

"I'd also like to apologise to my family. I made a bad decision yesterday. A wrong choice, and I've accepted the punishment."

Riddell is expected to be replaced by PJ Marsh at hooker while Jeremy Smith has been named as half-back.