‘Upset’ Kiwis back World Cup suspension, says NZRL

Kiwis players are upset but reportedly are fully supportive of the decision to axe Jesse Bromwich and Kevin Proctor from this year’s Rugby League World Cup after their conduct in Canberra.

The pair allegedly inhaled cocaine outside a nightclub in the Australian capital after the Kiwis’ 30-12 loss to the Kangaroos in the Anzac test.

Kiwis head coach David Kidwell and New Zealand Rugby League chief executive Alex Hayton revealed on Monday that Bromwich and Proctor would not play in this year’s World Cup.

Hayton endorsed Kidwell’s call not to consider them for the tournament to be held in Australia, New Zealand and Papua New Guinea later this year, and revealed senior Kiwis players were contacted prior to Monday’s announcement.

‘‘It’s part of doing their consultation and it reinforces the values we stand for, ‘‘ Hayton told Radio Sport yesterday. ‘‘The players were upset about what happened and in support of our decision.’’

Bromwich has stepped down as Kiwis captain and been heavily sanctioned by his Melbourne Storm club, while Proctor has stood down as co-captain of Gold Coast Titans.

The pair were allegedly filmed on CCTV cameras snorting a white substance after the players went out on Friday night.

‘‘They are adults. They did go out and most of them returned [on time],’’ Hayton added.

‘‘These guys [Bromwich and Proctor] decided to make another decision and those guys made their decision. Trust is a big part of what we’re trying to establish.’’

An emotional Kidwell said Bromwich and Proctor broke his trust when he fronted media and Hayton said the Kiwis head coach’s address sends a message to the public that’s he in charge of the team.

Hayton wouldn’t comment on Shaun Kenny-dowall’s prospects of being considered for the World Cup after Sydney Roosters suspended the centre for being charged with possessing cocaine.

The Kiwis have won just once in six matches since Kidwell took over from Stephen Kearney, with four defeats to Australia and an 18-18 draw with second-tier nation Scotland in last year’s Four Nations.

‘‘David’s had a tough start to his coaching gig with four games against Australia in his first six games,’’ Hayton told Radio Sport.

‘‘We’re obviously disappointed with Friday’s results. The Aussies were absolutely clinical.’’

Kidwell’s only victory was a 17-16 victory over England in Huddersfield last October.