Refusing NRL clubs compensation for suspended players would help discipline, says Bruce Hatcher

As debate rages how players should be punished for off-field offences, Queensland’s ARL commissioner Bruce Hatcher says refusing NRL clubs compensation for suspended players would help discipline.

The de Belin case has lit a fire for reform in the game. (Simon Bullard)

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Queensland’s ARL commissioner Bruce Hatcher says NRL clubs should be told this week there will be no financial compensation for them from the game’s coffers if their player is suspended over serious court charges.

The ARLC is considering this week how to best frame suspensions of players charged by police for off-field offences while they await court verdicts.

Hatcher said a club such as St George Illawarra, in the matter of the sexual assault charge against Dragon Jack de Belin, had a responsibility for what their player is alleged to have done.

Hatcher believe if clubs bear the brunt they will be less accepting. (AAP Image/Dave Hunt)

“One club chairman, backed by others, was reported to have said the salary cap should be adjusted if one of their players is suspended by the NRL,’’ said QRL chairman Hatcher, who will vote on the game’s behaviour policy reforms as the state’s independent commissioner.

“Another chairman said they should be compensated in cash for the loss. The former is the one which is more realistic I believe.

“The truth is if these sorts of measures are going to be enforced, you have to make sure the clubs are doing their best and to compensate the clubs just dilutes the purpose of what many see a need to do.

“It’s part of their responsibility, so I don’t see why they should be compensated. There is a greater responsibility for the employer, the club, to say that is not the behaviour we will accept. I’m sick of hearing every excuse under the sun — there needs to be action.’’

The de Belin case has lit a fire for reform in the game. (Simon Bullard)

Hatcher also said the Rugby League Players’ Association should step away from the contention backed by some of their leading members that players faced with serious civil court charges should continue to play until their case reached an outcome.

“They (the RLPA) should be taking a leadership role, not a counter punch role, saying, ‘You can’t do this to our players’,’’ he said.

“They are accepted as a part of the ownership structure of the game, so behave like an owner and support some strong recommendations on how to deal with it.

“I don’t think they can keep saying they are looking after the player’s interests because when the sponsorships and revenue starts to disappear before their eyes, who are they going to blame? We should be on the one page.’’

The ARLC will announce at Thursday’s annual general meeting the size of the 2018 operating surplus, which was flagged to be about $45 million in July.

Hatcher said he also hopes that meeting will see a commitment from the ARLC on funding for grassroots and women’s league competitions.

Originally published as Refusing NRL clubs compensation for suspended players would help discipline, says Bruce Hatcher