Peter Beattie’s ARLC job under threat if Jack de Belin wins case

Jack de Belin’s immediate playing future is not the only career at stake this week with chairman Peter Beattie’s own leadership on the line ahead of the landmark court case.

• De Belin and partner welcome new baby

Jack de Belin’s immediate playing future is not the only career at stake this week with chairman Peter Beattie’s own leadership on the line ahead of the landmark court case.

De Belin will challenge the NRL’s ‘no-fault stand-down policy’ in the Federal Court during a three-day hearing beginning on Monday.

The policy has won widespread community support but St George Illawarra have been critical of the NRL’s decision to suspend de Belin before his criminal case is heard.
While a win for de Belin could mean he returns to the NRL as soon as the Dragons’ next clash against Manly on Saturday, it may spell the end for Beattie as chairman as the ARLC.

Peter Beattie could face the repercussions if the case fails. Image: Matt King/Getty Images

The Sunday Telegraph has learnt Beattie could be forced to step away from the top job with the blowtorch to be put on the former Queensland Premier and the rest of the Commission should the no-fault stand-down rule be overturned in court.

Beattie has staked his reputation on the contentious policy having championed the rule, leading the fight to have it introduced after a spate of off-field incidents during the pre-season.

“You all know that we're taking a stand on player behaviour. We are determined as a game to grow up," Beattie said last month.

"Not just in terms of policy changes but rather a holistic strategy to improve our culture in the game. "We do that because it is the right thing to do, and we do that because we value you as partners, we value you our players and we value our fans.

"The commission is absolutely determined to deliver on this.

"Let me just say to all of you: Give us a little bit of time, but the rule change we brought in — the no-fault rule — will work.”

De Belin hopes to overturn the decision and it could be huge for NRL. Image: Brett Costello

De Belin became the first player banned despite pleading not guilty to charges of aggravated sexual assault.

While NRL boss Todd Greenberg announced the new rule alongside Beattie in February it is understood his position is not under threat, having followed through on orders from Beattie and the rest of the Commission.

The Commission voted unanimously in favour of the new rule. De Belin’s ruling will have huge ramifications for the game with Manly’s Dylan Walker and Penrith’s Tyrone May also unable to play having been stood down for off field incidents of their own.

Greenberg had no choice but to follow the policy. Image: AAP Image/Joel Carrett

Greenberg, NRL chief commercial officer Andrew Abdo and Melbourne Storm chairman Bart Campbell have provided affidavits outlining the damage which had been done to the game in the aftermath of aggravated sexual assault charges being laid against de Belin. All three are expected to take the witness stand this week.

De Belin had begun legal action in pursuit of an interlocutory injunction but postponed his day in court until Monday. Beattie would not comment when contacted by The Sunday Telegraph.