ARL Commission to review plan to stand down players facing serious charges
ARL Commission to review plan to stand down players facing serious charges
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The ARL Commission will consider the immediate standing down of players charged with serious off-field offences when reviewing its behaviour policy at the end of February.
ARLC chairman Peter Beattie flagged the potentially seismic move in a media release on Friday morning in response to the off-season described as a "train wreck" by NRL CEO Todd Greenberg, in which six players have been due to appear in court on assault charges while Ben Barba has been sacked over a physical altercation with his partner.
NRL CEOs of each of the 16 clubs met in Melbourne on Friday with the game's off-field crisis at the top of their agenda.
Public debate continues to rage over the playing fate of Dragons and NSW Origin star Jack de Belin, who has pleaded not guilty to aggravated sexual assault and is eligible to play under the current NRL policy.
Storm chairman Bart Campbell has been a particularly vocal critic of head office's controversial stance.
Campbell is urging clubs and head office to take a stand against the spate of off-field incidents and suspend players while cases are still before the courts in instances of serious allegations and significant damage to the game's image.
Beattie declared Campbell's suggestion will be considered at the next commission meeting in two weeks time, as well as urging the NRL to take "the strongest possible action" against any player engaged in violence of any kind.
"The Australian Rugby League Commission's policy on player behaviour will be reviewed when the Commission meets on 28 February," ARL chairman Peter Beattie said.
"At that time, we will consider the position put forward by Melbourne Storm chairman Bart Campbell and other leaders of the game. It will also be on the agenda when club and state chairs and CEOs meet on 28 February.
"The ARLC sets policy. The NRL implements it. The ARLC is strongly opposed to anyone in rugby league being involved in violence of any kind, especially domestic violence and any behaviour which brings the game into disrepute.
"The ARLC has instructed the NRL to take the strongest possible action against any player engaged in such behaviour - from serious fines, to suspensions and de-registration."
Speaking after the CEOs meeting Greenberg said that despite figures showing a downturn in unsavoury incidents since 2014, the summer's spate of serious issues have the NRL and club bosses vowing "decisive action to protect the image and reputation of the sport".
“There is no doubt that we have to change as a game in terms of behaviour,” Greenberg said.
“All of the CEOs were unified behind that view.
“Some of the issues are difficult and complex. But it is clear that the standard of behaviour from a small number of players falls well short of the game’s expectations.”
