Gold Coast Titans chairman Dennis Watt demands Australian Rugby League Commission take strong stance

Gold Coast Titans chairman Dennis Watt has called on the Australian Rugby League Commission to not “stand on the wrong side of history” when it decides on how to handle misbehaving players charged with serious offences.

GOLD Coast Titans chairman Dennis Watt has called on the Australian Rugby League Commission to not “stand on the wrong side of history” when it decides on how to handle misbehaving players charged with serious offences.

In a powerful speech at a Bond Business Leaders Forum on Wednesday night, Watt made clear of his club’s stance that players in such situations should immediately be stood down following a disastrous off-season for the game.

“Right now the most serious issue confronting us is the perception that our game tolerates abuse of and violence towards women,” Watt said.

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“A series of serious charges against NRL players in recent months has sparked furious debate about whether the game should immediately stand down charged players or whether they should be allowed to play and train until a resolution in cases.

Jack De Belin has pleaded not guilty to rape. Picture: Simon Bullard

“The Gold Coast Titans argue that NRL players should be treated no differently to teachers, doctors, police, public servants and company executives. Once hit with a serious criminal charge, particularly those that involve women, they should be immediately suspended pending the result of cases.

“And even then, there would need to be further consideration from the governing body as to whether actions taken by the charged players contravene the code of conduct or are deemed to be damaging to the reputation of the game.

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“History shows that guilty verdicts in such cases are rare, for (the) harsh adversarial process placing heavy pressure on complainants.”

Watt, who declared the NRL can no longer be used as a rehabilitation service, hailed a precedent set by Ulster and the Irish Rugby Football Union last year, who sacked players Paddy Jackson and Stuart Olding despite the duo being acquitted in a rape trial.

Former Titans fullback Jarryd Hayne is another high-profile player who has made headlines for all the wrong reasons. Picture: AAP Image

“While we very much believe in the concept innocent until proven guilty, we don’t believe that the game itself should be on trial every time an accused player plays a game or attends training,” Watt continued.

“It’s quite simple really: Change the rules so it becomes a condition of employment that you stand down immediately if charged with serious criminal offences.”

Watt urged the ARLC to take strong action when it hands down a decision next week on handling the matter.

“Should they decide to stand on the wrong side of history, they will subject the game to an unprecedented avalanche of condemnation, loss of support and sponsorship dollars,” he said.

Mal Meninga with Dennis Watt. Picture: Jerad Williams

“But that’s not important. It’s not enough for the game to pat itself on the back for hosting a four-week competition for four women’s teams last year. It’s not enough simply to align with White Ribbon, conduct Women In League rounds and wear pink scarfs, conduct courses for players on respect for relationships; no it is not.

“It is time to show that the game stands for something, to show that our game not only embraces and cares for women as well as men but also to stand as protectors, not perpetrators.”

Watt’s speech follows Kangaroos coach and Titans head of performance and culture Mal Meninga arguing for a similarly strong stance.