The Rugby League Players Association has slammed the NRL for the "inconsistent" penalty handed down to Newcastle Knights halfback Caitlin Moran over her social media posts about the death of the Queen.
Moran was given a one-match ban and fined 25 per cent of her salary, with the fine suspended for a year in lieu of a further breach of the NRL's Code of Conduct.
Moran, who is an Indigenous woman, used derogatory terms to describe the Queen in an Instagram post that many people found offensive.
The RLPA said the fine – although suspended – was "far too severe."
"Caitlin's proposed financial punishment is another example of the inconsistent and disproportionate penalties handed down to players," a statement from the RLPA said.
"Case by case, the NRL has a worrying track record of inconsistent punishments given to players."
The NRL has been criticised for allowing Penrith winger Taylan May to play in the NRL finals despite banning him for two games after he was convicted of assault.
Moran posted "Today's a good fkn day. uncle Luke [Combs] announces his tour and this dumb dog [the Queen] dies. Happy fkn Friday," on her Instagram last week before deleting the post.
The RLPA said the NRL had to explain its decision-making when it sanctioned players.
"For integrity-related matters, the RLPA has continually advocated for transparency, but we are yet to see any framework that informs the NRL's sanctions," the statement read.
"The lack of a clear and transparent framework puts players in an incredibly vulnerable position and leaves many within the game scratching their heads at administrative decision-making.
"Concerningly, the game wants to be transparent with the public by publicising Breach Notices, but the game does not want to be transparent with key industry stakeholders on what framework informs that decision-making.
"The RLPA's position is that Breach Notices should not be published until the matters are officially resolved," the statement said.
Moran's coach, Ronald Griffiths, defended Moran after she played last Sunday.
"I think from our perspective and particularly mine being a Gomeroi man, the relationship between Indigenous people and the monarchy is certainly a complicated one," Griffiths said.
The Knights said they supported the NRL's Integrity Unit's decision and confirmed Moran would not play in the final home and away match this Sunday against St George Illawarra.
Moran can still appeal the sanction.
The NRL has faced criticism that sanctions handed down to women are worth proportionally more than the same sanctions given to men.
The NRLW season only runs for five rounds, while the men's competition runs over 25 rounds.
