The Melbourne Storm insists the punishments dished out to three partying players are severe and send a message.

Cameron Munster, Brandon Smith and Chris Lewis will pay a fine and serve a one-match suspension, after being filmed in possession of a white powder.

Munster has apologised, and checked himself into a rehab facility for a month.

Melbourne Storm CEO Justin Rodski defended the sanctions amid media criticism, telling Jim Wilson they “are appropriate”.

The players haven’t revealed what the substance was, he said, instead telling the club “they were so intoxicated, their memory of what took place that night is blurred”.

“What we feel is really important … is the rehabilition side, the welfare component of this for the players to address the issues that they have.

“It is serious: the players are on notice. This is not something that we’ve taken lightly.”

Press PLAY below to hear the CEO’s response in full

Image: Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images