Warriors teammates have condemned Marcelo Montoya's homophobic slur while claiming the winger is repentant for his outburst as he prepares to face the NRL judiciary.
Montoya was picked up in TV coverage of the club's win over North Queensland on Friday using an offensive term while sledging winger Kyle Feldt.
Montoya has been referred straight to the judiciary on Tuesday and is likely to face a heavy sanction.
His comments have received widespread condemnation, particularly from the first openly gay male NRL player, Ian Roberts.
Forward Bayley Sironen said the Fijian international was remorseful for the use of the term and said it was against the club's spirit.
"I think he (Montoya) is probably going to come out and speak about it himself," Sironen said.
"I know that we as a club — and (myself) as a player — we don't stand for that sort of stuff.
"We are really apologetic and we want to get that out of the game."
Hooker Wayde Egan claimed Montoya lost his cool and said the slur wasn't a reflection of his teammate's views.
"Marcelo is one of the best blokes I've met and he'll do anything for his mates," Egan said.
"He definitely didn't mean any malice in what he said in the heat of the battle. We play a very violent game.
"We are supporting him this week and we'll let the judiciary decide what punishment he gets.
"He's remorseful for what he said. He wouldn't have meant it, he's going to be down and disappointed.
"He'll bounce back from it, he's a really resilient guy and the boys will get around him."
Last year Brisbane's Kotoni Staggs was handed a $10,000 fine for the use of the same term in a pub in NSW.
He was also ordered to undergo an education program.
AAP
