Outspoken ARL Commission boss Peter Beattie responds to his critics

ARL Commission boss Peter Beattie has a message for his many critics: “I won’t be silenced.”

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ARL Commission boss Peter Beattie has a message for his many critics: “I won’t be silenced.”

As pressure builds over the game’s handling of the Jack de Belin rape allegations and a shocking off-season of scandal, Beattie insists the issue must be openly discussed.

On Friday a columnist wrote: “Can someone tell Peter Beattie to “shut the hell up’’.

The former Queensland premier will have none of it.

“If we try to hide this and deal with it behind closed doors, the fans will desert us in droves,” Beattie said.

ARL Commission Chairman Peter Beattie says he intends to keep discussing the serious issues facing the game. (AAP Image/Mick Tsikas

“This needs open debate. I make no apologies for being so public. There are no more backroom deals in rugby league and we don’t gloss over anything.

“This had to be an open and transparent process and I think the fans and entitled to be part of it. And if that involves me using social media well so be it.”

Beattie and NRL chief executive Todd Greenberg will meet with St George Illawarra officials and the RLPA on Tuesday before determining the immediate future of de Belin, who has pleaded not guilty.

It now appears certain the St George Illawarra and NSW Blues Origin forward will be stood down on full pay until his court case has been finalised.

“Whatever decision we make will in no way prejudice the de Belin trial or interfere with his presumption of innocence,” Beattie said.

Peter Beatties says whatever decision is made this week it won’t prejudice the Jack de Belin trial. (AAP Image/Dean Lewins) NO ARCHIVING

“We’re setting rules that apply to rugby league as a game.”

The chairman says his meeting with Dragons CEO Brian Johnston will be crucial.

The Dragons have so far ignored the public outcry, much to the detriment of their own brand.

“We need to have a frank discussion,” Beattie said. “They will get the opportunity to present their argument which I’ll take to the commission.

“And I’ll explain what a dangerous position the game is in. You know, we should have looked at this rule a long time ago.

“We have a collective responsibility to make up our mind what we’re going to do as a game.

“By Tuesday I’ll have spoken to every club, every stakeholder and I’ll have listened to our fans.”

De Belin was ruled out of Saturday’s trial match against Newcastle in Wollongong with a virus.

There are concerns within the club about his own well-being, his pregnant wife and their ability to cope with such a public outrage.

His lawyer, however, is dealing with the NRL integrity unit and insisting de Belin deserves the opportunity to have his day in court.