/ The Daily Telegraph

Kidwell asked Taylor whether he and some teammates could go out that evening with family and friends.

It was Kidwell who then suggested that there be a zero tolerance policy implemented regarding alcohol.

Taylor agreed.

The following morning, from about 7.30, Souths began their breath-testing procedures at their Brisbane team hotel.

Those tests continued on the team bus travelling to Brisbane Airport for the flight back to Sydney.

Five players, including Kidwell, registered an alcohol reading.

Ben Rogers, Jaiman Lowe, Eddie Paea and Fetuli Talanoa have been dumped to the NSW Cup for Saturday's game against North Queensland at ANZ Stadium.

Kidwell has been stripped of the captaincy but retains his place in the starting side.

Souths management felt the indefinite loss of the captaincy was sufficient punishment for Kidwell.

Prop Roy Asotasi is now the sole skipper.

The drama comes on the back of Souths having lost the opening seven matches of the season - their semi-finals aspirations having already evaporated.

"The captain (Kidwell) said this is what we are going to do. Four players didn't follow that and neither did the captain," Taylor said.

"They weren't massive readings but it was another indication that they didn't stick to their word.

"If players at our club don't behave in a professional manner, they will pay the consequences.

"We will make sure they do, otherwise we will get players who will.

"It is the same indiscretions that are happening on the field.

"There are standards we want to set and we have to back up.

"At the start of the year the players set high standards for themselves.

"It was a difficult decision (dropping four players) in regards to the individuals but from my point of view, it was a clear-cut decision. It was the way the go.

"This was a good opportunity for us to show everybody, the sponsors, members and the rugby league public, that we are serious about a professional attitude.

"We want to show what it takes to be part of the Souths football team.

"We're trying to turn the club around."

In a new-look side, Dean Widders is back with Issac Luke shifting to halfback.

Rookie John Tamanika will make his NRL debut on the wing, with Beau Falloon and Eddy Pettybourne on to the interchange bench.

Co-owner Peter Holmes supported Taylor's decision.

"I'm backing JT 100 per cent.

"Look, there was no altercation, no nightclub incident.

"The players set their own rules and they have breached this rule.

"It is about player behaviour. We are seeking to be disciplined and professional in everything we do."

Rabbitohs director of football operations Shane Richardson added: "We want to point out that the players didn't cause any trouble.

"However, as a club we take these standards very seriously and action has been taken to reflect our stance."

Souths yesterday tightened into $1.55 to win the wooden spoon, according to TAB Sportsbet.

News of the booze incident comes on the day Souths were fined more than $70,625 for salary cap breaches for 2007.