A "humiliated" Mitchell Pearce has promised to take his medicine, however a potential showdown between the Sydney Roosters and the NRL looms over his punishment.
The Roosters and NSW Origin playmaker returned to Australia on Sunday after a month-long stint in a Thailand rehabilitation facility for alcohol problems.
The 26-year-old was stood down in the wake of his lewd Australia Day video but is yet to have his punishment meted out.
The video showed Pearce attempt to kiss an unwilling woman before simulating sex with a dog and allegedly urinating on himself at a private house party.
Pearce is certain to be stripped of the club co-captaincy and cop a hefty fine as well as face a stint on the sidelines.
However the length of his suspension could prove contentious.
Pearce must appear before the Roosters board before they announce his suspension but it's been reported they are pushing for him to be outed for six weeks.
Any punishment must be approved by the NRL integrity unit and they could ask for a heftier ban.
Pearce flew back into Sydney airport on Sunday morning just four days out from the start of the season and was greeted by family including his father and NRL commissioner Wayne Pearce.
A remorseful Pearce said he hoped to resume playing as soon as possible but was ready to receive whatever was coming to him.
"I'm coming back here with a clear head and I've got a lot of people to earn respect off," said Pearce.
"So whatever my punishment is I'll be copping that on the chin.
"I love footy and it's something I've missed a lot, being around my mates and being around footy. But I deserved the punishment. I totally humiliated myself and a lot of other people. I'm not hiding from anything. I'm here to cop whatever comes."
The NSW State of Origin playmaker admitted he had a difficult task to earn back respect.
"It's been a really challenging four weeks," Pearce said.
"It was something I've really needed to do and the hard work starts for me now.
"I've got a lot of people to earn respect back off."
The video was sold to a number of media outlets, and the Roosters are reportedly seeking legal advice about whether they can sue the individual who filmed it.
The broadcast of the video has also been criticised by the Rugby League Players Association and Pearce's friends and teammates, saying it represented a breach of privacy and trust.
However Pearce said he had no ill-will towards the person.
"I've got no hard feelings about that," Pearce said.
AAP sz/ptj
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