Eels deny hypocrisy claims over 'funny walk' Smith

Parramatta CEO Denis Fitzgerald last night denied he was guilty of hypocrisy amid revelations troubled halfback Tim Smith became heavily intoxicated in front of officials at the club's season launch.

A witness told Channel Nine that Smith, who went into rehab for alcoholism late last year, was "extremely loose", while another told the Sydney Morning Herald the halfback "could hardly walk" he was so drunk on a harbour cruise last Friday.

Fitzgerald cleared Smith and Feleti Mateo, Josh Cordoba and Ben Smith of any wrongdoing after they were later seen drinking at a hotel in Parramatta at 4am. It was also reported that players were seen at Star City Casino.

It is believed one player was bemused as to why the club allowed Smith to become so drunk after Jarryd Hayne, Weller Hauraki and Junior Paulo had been censured.

"I don't see that as hypocrisy," Fitzgerald said.

"Tim being drunk is news to me. He seemed OK to me. He got up and received his jersey. He walks a bit funny on the field, maybe that was it .. no one has told me that he was drunk."

Eels coach Michael Hagan told Channel Nine: "You can't babysit them."

The Eels yesterday overlooked Hayne, Hauraki and Paulo for their round-one match against the Bulldogs at ANZ Stadium, Homebush Bay, on Saturday following the late-night shooting incident in Kings Cross last week.