Parramatta's Smith suspended indefinitely

Parramatta halfback Tim Smith has been suspended indefinitely by the National Rugby League club.

Smith was ordered to meet with Eels chief executive Denis Fitzgerald this morning after being caught drinking less than a week after agreeing to abstain from alcohol.

Last Friday Smith was fined $1000 by the club and ordered to avoid alcohol for a year following a drunken incident.

An Eels spokesman said Smith remained on contract with the club, and that the most important issue was his health.

The spokesman said Smith had voluntarily checked himself into rehab "to address a number of complex issues".

"He has been suspended until everyone involved including the player, the club and the medical practitioners can review and assess Tim's rehabilitation," he said.

There were fears the Eels would tear Smith's contract up after the club found the 22-year-old had been drinking just days after being issued a 12-month alcohol ban.

But Eels teammates Mark Riddell and Brett Finch reportedly urged the club to help Smith rather than axe him.

Last week, Smith was fined and slapped with the booze ban after it was reported he allegedly intimidated, swore at and made obscene finger gestures at a member of the public while intoxicated.

It was not the first time Smith had been punished by the club for an alcohol-related indiscretion.
Last season, the Queensland playmaker was threatened with the sack and fined $A10,000 for intoxicated behaviour.