Todd Greenberg set for more grilling; no verdict expected in Jack de Belin case

NRL CEO Todd Greenberg has cited his daughter’s touch football league in federal court as the showdown with Jack de Belin continues over the league’s new no-fault stand-down policy.

Todd Greenberg will face more grilling from Jack de Belin's lawyers on Wednesday.

NRL CEO Todd Greenberg has claimed in federal court that his daughter’s friends are among the women turned away from rugby league as the showdown with Jack de Belin continues over the league’s new no-fault stand-down policy.

Greenberg concluded his testimony on Wednesday by citing his daughter, her friends and a touch footbal competition they play in -- claiming they’re examples of women disassociating from rugby league because of poor player behaviour.

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St George Illawarra star forward de Belin became the first player to be stood down under the controversial rules after he was charged with the aggravated sexual assault of a 19-year-old woman.

“I’m the father of a daughter who plays regularly,” he said on Wednesday.

“And a number of her friends have shared with me… the conduct of players is the reason why they will no longer play.”

De Belin has pleaded not guilty to his charge of aggravated sexual assault and the matter was due to be mentioned in Wollongong Local Court on Wednesday.

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De Belin’s barrister Martin Einfeld argued in court that Greenberg had no knowledge of de Belin’s actions before he was stood down.

Greenberg admitted: “The only evidence I had was the charge he was facing.” Greenberg produced 500 emails sent to the NRL from fans of which a majority supported a hard line stance in standing down players accused of serious crimes.

Under the “no fault” rules, the game can stand down any player charged with a crime that carries a jail term of 11 years or more.

He said it was done to protect the reputation of the game and ensure it retains corporate and public support.

The chances of de Belin returning to the field for the Dragons this weekend are almost certainly extinguished.

Because he is still stood down, he was not able to be named by the club on Tuesday for Saturday’s clash with Manly.

If de Belin was successful in court, the club could make a submission to have him brought into their squad.

But Justice Melissa Perry is unlikely to hand down her judgment this week.

NRL chief commercial officer Andrew Abdo and Melbourne Storm chairman Bart Campbell are expected to take the stand on Wednesday or Thursday.

Originally published as Todd Greenberg set for more grilling; no verdict expected in Jack de Belin case