NSW great Steve Mortimer says Blues captain Paul Gallen has been through “hell” and is still paying too high a price for his abusive social media rant despite the NRL revising his penalty.

The NRL on Tuesday announced Gallen’s $50,000 fine would stand but $15,000 would be suspended for 12 months after reviewing additional information supplied by the Sharks skipper.

“This remains one of the biggest financial penalties imposed on an individual player because it involved one of the most senior and influential people in our game,” NRL CEO Dave Smith said.

But Mortimer claimed the NRL had still been too heavy handed on a man he believed had simply cracked after enduring the Sharks supplement saga.

“I thought $50,000 was ridiculous and I still think $35,000 is too high,” he told AAP.

“Sure he did the wrong thing but guess what, everyone makes mistakes.

“And he was the first to put his hand up and say he did the wrong thing.

“But he has been through hell the last two years and he was releasing his anger.

“I would not be able to understand how hard it would have been for him with all that negativity.”

Mortimer said he got to know Gallen before he broke NSW’s State of Origin drought this year and felt for the forward who revealed he had been suffering from bouts of depression.

“I am a fan of not only the way Paul Gallen plays but the way he conducts himself off the field,” he said.

“Paul Gallen to me is a decent person. I am full of admiration for him.”

Gallen last weekend gave an insight into his mindset at the time he called the NRL “c***s” on Twitter while on holiday in Hawaii.

Gallen – currently serving an ASADA ban as a result of Cronulla’s 2011 supplements program – had taken to social media to express his disappointment over Sharks CEO Steve Noyce’s sacking.

Smith said they revised the fine after reviewing “private and confidential” information in defence of Gallen’s breach notice.

“We recognise that Paul has been through a lot over the last two years but that does not excuse such a serious breach of the code,” he said.

“We must protect our brand and ensure we set a good example to children and other fans.”

Apart from the fine, Gallen is also ineligible for Australian selection next year unless he completes a leadership accountability course.

“Paul has five business days to lodge a request for the NRL Appeals Committee to review the case,” a Rugby League Players Association spokesperson said.

“We’re not aware at this time if he is planning to pursue that avenue.

“Our primary concern is always the welfare and rights of players and the RLPA will continue to provide Paul with ongoing confidential support.”