NRL new punishments for players found guilty of violence against women

LEAGUE players guilty of domestic violence, sex offences or disrespecting women could face life bans under new protocols to end a culture of “covering up” and paying “hush money”

LEAGUE players who have ­indulged in domestic violence, sex offences or disrespecting women could face life bans under new protocols to end a culture of “covering up” and paying “hush money” to victims.

In what would be a first for an Australian football code, the NRL is discussing a raft of new guidelines and punishments for players found guilty of violence against women.

It hopes to establish new rules around reporting assaults and responding to women, which could ­result in bans ranging from nine months to life.

Wests Tigers’ Tim Simona’s former girlfriend Jaya Taki disclosed she felt forced into an abortion and was subjected to death threats.

The NRL believes a nine-month ban on former South Sydney player Kirisome Auva’a should be the new base sanction for those convicted of criminal offences against women.

Auva’a pleaded guilty to domestic violence in November 2014 after shoving his ex-girlfriend to the ground and throwing her into a ­garage door.

NRL gender adviser Catharine Lumby, who was among those consulted about the new protocols, said: “What the integrity commission has initiated now is if the club or any player breaches the very clear protocols, notifying the NRL about ­assault and abuse and how they ­respond to women, the NRL can now step in.

“I think the NRL’s integrity unit is serious about doing its job. They are now clearly working to stop clubs bringing in third parties to pressure  women  and pay them hush money.”

The protocols, which are still under development, have emerged following a series of Sunday Telegraph reports in March detailing how Panthers footballer Bryce Cartwright used a club “fixer” to pay a woman to have an abortion, while Wests Tigers’ Tim Simona’s former girlfriend Jaya Taki disclosed she felt forced into an abortion and was subjected to death threats.

Panthers footballer Bryce Cartwright used a club “fixer” to pay a woman to have an abortion. Picture. Phil Hillyard

Ms Lumby contacted NRL boss Todd Greenberg after those stories broke following a number of similar incidents in the past 18 months ­involving high-profile players. She said she met Mr Greenberg and NRL chief operating officer Nick Weeks, and from then on the code has moved to strengthen their protocols around the treatment of women.

“I think the NRL is showing serious commitment after a series (of) incidents which have really damaged the brand of the game, not to mention the harm that has been done to some women,” Ms Lumby said. “No woman should be mistreated or abused or hushed up, ever.

“The NRL is showing leadership not only in sport but across Australia’s corporate culture when it comes to the treatment of women. I am thrilled to know Todd Greenberg is supporting that initiative.

The NRL believes a nine-month ban on former South Sydney player Kirisome Auva’a should be the new base sanction for those convicted of criminal offences against women. Picture : Gregg Porteous

“The AFL followed the NRL in leadership when it came to this issue 10 years ago when David Gallop was in charge, but that disappeared for some time after he left. But there’s no questions they are back on the front foot now when it comes to off field behaviour.”

Mr Greenberg said the new policy was yet to be finalised.

“One thing is certain, if players engage in violent acts against women which are proven in the courts they can expect to spend a lot of time on the sideline,” he said.

“As a general rule, players will be given their day in court before penalties are imposed because we have seen several instances in recent times when charges have not been proven. But we will work with the clubs to ensure a fair outcome for all parties, including the players, and ­especially the victims.”