A remorseful James Tedesco has spoken publicly for the first time since he was investigated by the NRL for aiming a drunken slur at a woman during the off-season.
The Sydney Roosters and NSW captain told reporters at the game's season launch he was sorry for his actions.
Tedesco was fined $10,000 by the NRL for behaving in a "drunken and disorderly" manner when he shouted "Squid Games" - the name of a popular South Korean series - at a woman of Vietnamese descent on a night out in Sydney.
"It was disappointing as a leader and a role model for the game," Tedesco said.
"The way I handled it, I spoke to who was affected and owned up to it.
"I was obviously disappointed but happy with how I approached it all and it was all sort of settled. It was more about owning up to that and taking responsibility."
As he gears up for his first full year as Roosters captain, Tedesco, who up until this point had been seen as a cleanskin within the sport, said he needed to act with greater maturity.
"If I'm out having drinks I've got to be aware and I've got to be responsible," Tedesco said.
"Being the captain you're not a young kid anymore you can't just go out and have beers all the time with the younger boys.
"I'm engaged now and I want to start a family. I feel like I've taken that step forward.
"I'm mature now (and as) a captain I've got to be the guy who goes out and looks after the boys and I've got to set a good example for them."
The No.1 has undergone stem cell surgery on his knee in the off-season and has not featured in the club's trials but insists he will be good to go for round one.
"The end of last year it was pretty sore," Tedesco added.
"I had the same (treatment) a few years ago. They take fat and blood and mix it together and then inject it into your knee. I didn't run until after Christmas.
"I've not been getting out there and smashing myself, I wanted to be hitting my peak when round one starts."
