The NRL is unlikely to hand down any punishment to Mitchell Pearce for his Australia Day antics for at least six weeks, according to a News Corp report.
The code's integrity unit boss Nick Weeks is refusing to issue any suspension or fine until Pearce and his legal advisors get an opportunity to address officials over an appropriate penalty.
Three of Pearce's teammates who were with him on the night he was filmed simulating sex with a dog - Dale Copley, Jayden Nikorima and Dominic Reardon - have escaped punishment because there was no evidence they'd misbehaved.
Integrity unit chief investigator Karyn Murphy has all but finalised the investigation, having interviewed witnesses inside the house where a drunken Pearce was filmed and it's now a matter of waiting until the NSW star completes his alcohol rehabilitation treatment overseas and returns home.
The delay is a major frustration for the Roosters who'll need to find a halfback if Pearce is sidelined for a significant part of the new season.
