Jack de Belin has declared his innocence after being stood down from the NRL, saying he will "vigorously defend" himself against a charge of aggravated sexual assault.
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The ARL Commission met on Thursday at League Central before announcing a major change to the game's disciplinary policy concerning players who are accused of serious crimes.
De Belin, 27, has pleaded not guilty in Wollongong court and now faces an extended period out of the competition.
"Rugby league has always been a big part of my life, I love the game," De Belin said in a statement released by the Dragons on Thursday afternoon.
"I am innocent and will vigorously defend the charge against me.
"I want to thank my partner, family, friends, the club, members, sponsors and fans for the support they have given me during this difficult time."
Previously, players who pleaded not guilty to alleged offences were allowed to continue playing while the matters were dealt with in court.
Under the new policy, any player who is charged with an offence that carries a maximum prison term of 11 years or more will be automatically stood down. NRL chief executive Todd Greenberg also has the discretionary powers to stand down players charged with offences involving the assault of women or children. Players will be allowed to continue to train with their teams and remain on full pay.
“There will be a no-fault stand-down for players who are charged with serious criminal offences above that line,” ARLC chairman Peter Beattie said. “Underneath that there are going to be charges that aren’t in that level of severity that will be in the discretion of the CEO to deal with.
“We are making no judgment whatsoever in relation to any player who is charged with any offence. What we’re doing is setting a benchmark and a standard to protect the game of rugby league.
[New policy: Peter Beattie and Todd Greenberg after Thursday's announcement.]
New policy: Peter Beattie and Todd Greenberg after Thursday's announcement.CREDIT:AAP
“This is in a nutshell about rebuilding the reputation of rugby league. We need to restore people's confidence in the game."
Beattie said clubs who had players stood down would not automatically be granted salary cap relief but could apply for it. He said 15 of the 16 clubs were supportive of the new policy and that it had been approved unanimously by commissioners.
Greenberg confirmed de Belin would be stood down under the new policy. He said a decision had not been made yet on Manly centre Dylan Walker, who has pleaded not guilty to charges of assaulting his fiancee.
Greenberg and de Belin had met at St Georges Leagues Club on Wednesday.
“I wanted to convey to him personally the direction the game was heading," Greenberg said.
"I wanted to explain to him the reasons why. I thought I owed that to him. It was a difficult conversation.”
Dragons chief executive Brian Johnston and other club bosses met with the ARLC and Greenberg on Thursday before the announcement was made.
"We are very supportive of the desire of the NRL to improve player behaviour and propagate the game of rugby league," Johnston said as he left League Central.
"What we are dealing with is a very compromising and polarising subject regarding Jack de Belin but above all we have been guided by the legal system and NRL rules.
"Above all we are concerned about the welfare of Jack de Belin - that's our priority at the present stage.
"We are just about to head off now and give consideration to the changes the NRL are making to the rules so we can digest that and understand, clearly, what it means."
Rugby League Players Association CEO Ian Prendergast said he opposed the policy shift.
“The RLPA is disappointed in the decision made by the Australian Rugby League Commission today to alter a policy that will directly impact on the employment rights of its members,” Prendergast said.
“The ramifications for players will be substantial – both those who are currently defending charges and those who may be subject to the same situation in the future.
“Whilst we respect the commission’s view that this is a ‘no fault’ policy, the reality is that standing down a player indefinitely can impact on the fundamental principle of the presumption of innocence and may prejudice the legal process.
“As we have consistently stated, this change will do irreparable damage to the player and his employment.
“Professional athletes already have short careers and waiting for the conclusion of a court case would significantly impact, and in some cases, end their time in the game."
