Former NRL Coach and Sydney Roosters Assistant Matt Elliott has come to the defence of troubled captain Mitchell Pearce saying the lewd viral video that has sent the rugby league world into meltdown shouldn’t cost the New South Wales half his job.

“The reality of it is it doesn’t matter what the argument is. The reality of it is that when you sign an NRL contract, regardless of who you are, you’re not a general part of the community,” Elliott told sportsfan.com.au.

“You have some other responsibilities whether you like it or not. Whether the community likes it or not, you’re a role model. You can’t do certain things, regardless of whether it’s being filmed or not.

“If you don’t do it, you don’t have to worry about it. I do believe that there needs to be a severe consequence. Do I believe that this should be career threatening? Not in any way at all.”

Elliott added that he was more concerned for Pearce’s health rather than his employment at this stage.

“Let’s just also take in what’s already happened, the level of humiliation for how widespread this is. I am concerned about Mitch’s health through this. I can’t help that, and I can’t apologise for it,” he said.

“We also need to take a breath on this and have a look at the severity of what he’s done. He definitely needs to apologise for his behaviour. He definitely needs to think very seriously about his conduct when he consumes alcohol, as many of us do.”