Brisbane Broncos chief executive Bruno Cullen says a feeling of being "let down" by players has forced changes in the player drinking policy at the NRL club.

The Broncos Tuesday announced a new system of curfews and a ban on players drinking between Sunday matches and Friday games.

The move followed what Cullen described as a disappointing end to the 2008 season which included a number of off-field indiscretions.

"It has been a matter of trust - we probably feel we have been let down in that area and so we will take back that responsibility now," Cullen said.

Penalties including match bans will be stepped up.

Cullen Tuesday partly blamed a "change in demographic" in the club line-up due to salary limits for the behaviour problems.

"We do lack a strong, mature leadership group and that's what's happened with the salary cap," he said.

The changes will also mean players will be checked for soft tissue injuries and limits put on their drinking to improve recovery.

Cullen dismissed reports that the rules would be the strictest in rugby league.

"The players have been very supportive - they're taking some responsibility for what's happened in the past year," he said.

He said he was open to reviewing the policy in 2010 if players kept their end of the bargain.

Brought to you by AAP © 2024 AAP