Editorial
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
It was always going to be incredibly difficult for Dragons star Jack De Belin and the club if he was to continue to play while awaiting trial on serious criminal charges. That is a reality.
He and his co-accused have pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Earlier this week the Dragons and his legal team contended De Belin would still play for the club despite the charges.
On Friday, the ballpark changed. The Australian Rugby League Commission issued this statement _
"The Australian Rugby League Commission's (ARLC) policy on player behaviour will be reviewed when the Commission meets on 28 February," ARLC Chairman Peter Beattie said.
"At that time, we will consider the position put forward by Melbourne Storm Chairman, Bart Campbell and other leaders of the game. It will also be on the agenda when Club and State Chairs and CEOs meet on 28 February.
"The ARLC sets policy. The NRL implements it.
"The ARLC is strongly opposed to anyone in Rugby League being involved in violence of any kind , especially domestic violence and any behaviour which brings the game into disrepute.
"The ARLC has instructed the NRL to take the strongest possible action against any player engaged in such behaviour - from serious fines, to suspensions and de-registration."
Bart Campbell sent a searing memo to the league’s 15 other bosses making his views on the handling of the De Belin case by the NRL and the club clear.
“The game’s capacity to hurt itself is wonderful,” Campbell said in part in the memo.
“We appear to be morally tone deaf as an organisation. We’re repeatedly making life tough for ourselves.
“Standing around while Rome burns is not good enough. As a game we need to do something.”
It is likely the NRL will have to change its approach.
As much as some may not like it, something needed to be done.
It is a significant development in the whole sad and sorry affair and quite possibly not the last.