16 NRL clubs set to decide Mark Coyne’s future in the game

Mark Coyne’s future as a ARL Commissioner is likely to be decided by the game’s key stakeholders as the fallout from his Singapore arrest continues to plague the NRL.

Mark Coyne at his home in Yowie Bay. Picture: Damian Shaw

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The 16 NRL clubs will be consulted before a decision is made on the future of independent commissioner Mark Coyne over his misbehaviour in Singapore.

ARL Commission chairman Peter Beattie told The Daily Telegraph on Sunday he would email the chairs of each club to get their thoughts and feedback before Coyne meets with the commission.

“I want to know how the clubs and states feel about it,” Beattie said. “They are the key stakeholders and will be consulted.”

Coyne was fined $4000 after pleading guilty for swearing at police following a stand-off with a taxi driver in Singapore six weeks ago.

Mark Coyne at his home in Yowie Bay. Picture: Damian Shaw

Beattie is determined not to be rushed into making a decision on Coyne before the former Queensland Origin and St George legend gets an opportunity to front the commission.

Three commission members are currently overseas which is delaying the process.

“The Australian way is of dealing with an issue like this is to look a bloke in the eye, face-to-face and sort it out,” Beattie said.

“Mark Coyne will present all the facts and circumstances to the commission.

“Mark can then leave, we will then talk about it and consider the feedback from the clubs.

“He’s got to have the right to natural justice.”

The commission chairman has come under fire from sections of the media for not abandoning a family holiday in Broome to deal with the issue.

Coyne confronts media at Sydney airport. Picture: Toby Zerna

Coyne is a Dragons legend.

There was even a suggestion he would be challenged as chairman over his handling of the crisis.

“Any suggestion of a challenge is nonsense,” Beattie said.

“I’m not going to be panicked or bullied by anyone to fast track any of this.

“We have three commission members currently overseas in different time zones.

“There is a process here and it will be done properly.”

Coyne has stood down from his position on the commission after being charged and fined $4000 for swearing and abusing Singapore police last month.

His fate will be determined at the commission meeting on August 1.