Broncos winger Josiah Karapani has been suspended for the first two NRL games of 2027 following a drink-driving charge in June.
The 24-year-old was stopped by police on the Pacific Motorway after allegedly speeding 19km/h over the 100km/h limit before blowing a blood-alcohol reading of 0.037 while still on his provisional licence. P-platers are not allowed to get behind the wheel with any alcohol in their system.
Karapani has also been ordered to undergo an education and training course, and has been slapped with a $1500 suspended fine.
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“The Brisbane Broncos can confirm Josiah Karapani has been advised by the NRL of the finalisation of a breach notice determination following a drink driving offence in June,” the Broncos said in a statement.
“The Broncos previously stood down Karapani from Round 18 of the 2026 NRL premiership competition in relation to this specific matter and consequently no further sanction from the club is contemplated.”
It is the second time this year Karapani has been sidelined following an interaction with police.
In June, the club also noted Karapani received an infringement notice for the speeding offence “along with further fines for ‘failure to display P plates’, ‘driving an unregistered vehicle’ and ‘driving an uninsured vehicle’”.
“The NRL Integrity Unit has been informed,” the Broncos said at the time.
“Josiah will not be available for NRL selection for this Saturday night’s Round 18 game against the Sharks.”
The 2025 premiership player made 14 first-grade appearances in 2026, scoring five tries, but missed one game after a 3.30am incident in March.
He was slapped with a $1001 fine by Queensland Police and issued with a public nuisance offence in Fortitude Valley.
Brisbane captain Adam Reynolds said the club’s senior leaders took a non-negotiable stance on culture and behaviour in standing down Karapani for one match.
“It’s important everyone knows the standards and culture of this club that we are setting is above any player or person in this organisation,” Reynolds said in March.
“Everyone needs to jump on board or you risk facing some time away from the team.
“Josiah is fully aware of the mistake he has made and is fully apologetic towards the group. I am sure he won’t make that mistake again. He is a big part of our team but unfortunately he won’t be there this week.”
