NRL reveals Jack de Belin’s fate following ARLC policy meeting

After weeks of criticism from fans, commentators and game officials the NRL has come down hard on Jack de Belin and changed it’s policy on player behaviour but it could start a legal quagmire.

• Buzz: Stuff the players’ union, NRL makes right call
• Crackdown: NRL star’s humiliating CCTV punishment
• Kent: RLPA fails game by not making tough calls

Rugby league changed forever, but the road ahead is a potential legal minefield, critics warn.

In a watershed day for the game, a bold ARL Commission yesterday introduced a “no fault” stand down policy for any player charged with serious indictable offence leading to a maximum jail term of 11 years or more.

St George Illawarra forward Jack de Belin – who has pleaded not guilty to a sexual assault charge — became the first player to be stood down under the new policy.

Charges beneath that line of severity will be dealt with on a discretionary basis by NRL chief executive Todd Greenberg.

Manly centre Dylan Walker is next in line.

Greenberg will rule on Walker – who has pleaded not guilty to domestic violence charges - in coming days, while players like Scott Bolton, Liam Coleman, Zane Musgrove, Tautau Moga and Michael Chee Kam, who have faced a variety of assault charges, will all come under the same discretionary scrutiny of the NRL boss.

“This, in a nutshell, is about rebuilding rugby league,” ARL Commission chairman Peter Beattie said.

The NRL will also today reveal its salary cap findings against Cronulla and former Sharks coach Shane Flanagan, as well as former Wests Tigers chief executive Justin Pascoe

But Sydney defence lawyer Paul McGirr has warned the new rule could cost the game millions of dollars in damages, despite NRL assurances it was not making any judgment on a player charged with any offence.

“It’s a dog’s breakfast. It’s up to the discretion of one man. He has the determination of not only being the judge but also jury and executioner,” criminal lawyer McGirr said.

“These ill-thought out rules could open up rugby league to millions and millions of dollars in damages from individual players. That could eventually break the league. One player alone could seek damages in the millions. A player doesn’t have longevity in the game.

“Todd Greenberg, with all due respect, doesn’t have a legal background. Seasoned judges of many years experience have difficulty deciding on subjective cases.

“It’s such a heavy task — it can’t be given to one man.

Jack de Belin won’t be able to play for the Dragons until the court case against him is concluded. Picture: Getty

“This is the league making laws on the run that have not been properly thought out. It’s amateurish and are panicked rules on the run.”

Beattie was asked during a 45-minute media conference whether a player could initiate legal action against the NRL should he be stood down and subsequently found not guilty.

“That’s a matter for the player,” Beattie said. “Our responsibility as a commission is to set the rules that govern the game. This is about the welfare of rugby league. We know this is very difficult.

“We know that just because you’re charged doesn’t mean you’ll be found guilty. There will be players who will be found (not guilty) at which time, if they are willing, will be able to return to the game.”

Beattie denied the commission was throwing Greenberg “under the bus” by giving him sole discretionary power over player behaviour.

“We all have enormous faith in him, he’s a good CEO. You’ve got to have someone who will apply a spirit of fairness to it all,” Beattie said.

“You’ve got to have someone who will exercise some judgment on it under the line.

“Of course we’ve put the wood on him to do it but I have confidence he will do it and do it well. We set policy, he implements it, that’s his job.”

The Dragons were locked away afternoon discussing whether to take legal action against the NRL on behalf of de Belin.

“We understand and support the commission’s desire to improve the standards of player behaviour and propagate the game,” Dragons CEO Brian Johnston said. “This is a very complex and difficult issue that impacts many stakeholders.

St George Illawarra Dragons CEO Brian Johnston says the club will continue to support Jack de Belin. Picture: Matrix

“To date we have been guided by the NRL rules and code of conduct, in addition to advice suggesting any action taken by the club could interfere with the judicial process.

“Given the change today, we need time to digest this information and consider the implications for our club.

“Duty of care has always been a priority for us and we have great concern for Jack’s welfare. We will continue to provide him with the necessary support and welfare he needs throughout this legal process.”

A shattered De Belin reacted to the decision with a short press statement.

“Rugby league has always been a big part of my life, I love the game,’’ De Belin said.

“I am innocent and will vigorously defend the charge against me.

“I want to thank my partner, family, friends, the club, members, sponsors and fans for the support they have given me during this difficult time.’’

The RLPA re-emphasised last night it opposed any new rule which stood players down for an offence before the matter reached court. Although it ruled out possible legal action against the NRL.

Manly Sea Eagles star Dylan Walker is also at risk of being stood down indefinitely. Picture: AAP

“The RLPA is disappointed in the decision made by the ARL Commission today to alter a policy that will directly impact on the employment rights of its members,” RLPA CEO Ian Prendergast said.

“The ramifications for players will be substantial – both those who are currently defending charges and those who may be subject to the same situation in the future.

“While we respect the commission’s view that this is a ‘no fault’ policy, the reality is that standing down a player indefinitely can impact on the fundamental principle of the presumption of innocence and may prejudice the legal process.

“We are not ignorant to the hurt that these matters cause the game and are committed to working with the NRL and clubs to repair the damage that has been done.

“However, we continue to query whether this change will genuinely have the desired impact of rebuilding public trust and confidence in the game.”

Beattie though was standing firm.

“Whatever decision we made today would have been controversial,” Beattie said. “This is not about being popular. This is about doing the right thing by rugby league.

“This is also about sending a clear message that the game does not tolerate violence, does not tolerate violence against women, does not tolerate violence against children.

Unless we maintain that standard, then frankly our game will erode over time.

“Our job is to rebuild and protect the game. Rebuild the reputation this game has had for many, many years. We are making no judgment about innocence or guilty.”

Greenberg added: “Our primary duty is to act in the very best interests of the sport. We will have the power to stand down players that are charged, but only for the most serious offences. We are talking about violence crimes and serious assaults against women.”