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NRL chief executive, David Gallop, has a relatively straightforward job. And he is failing in it. He has to run the competition, make sure that the salary cap system is honoured, and ensure that the integrity and standing of the game and the competition is enhanced for supporters, players and sponsors.
It’s clear now, with Greg Inglis being charged with an alleged assault on his girlfriend, the fifth NRL player charged in twelve months, that Gallop has failed totally in this last executive task.
How many players have to get out of line with their behaviour before irrevocable harm is done to the integrity of the code? When will sponsors start to give up on the code as a way of getting to the various markets they want to tap into?
When will Gallop acknowledge that on his watch the image of the game is plummeting?
The argument may be made that Gallop isn’t responsible for the behaviour of the players off the field. There is an element of truth in this, but not the whole truth.
The NRL have been running well-publicised programs to instruct the players, especially the younger players, about their responsibilities to their partners and to the game.
Whenever something bad happens there is the usual excuse trotted out about how the programs are a NRL initiative that is working, and that the offending players are a few bad apples in a decent barrel.
But it is clear that the programs are not working.
Gallop has to answer the criticism of why this is so. Moreover, his judgment in these matters in contentious.
Brett Stewart was made “the face of the NRL” at the beginning of the season. He was stood down for four weeks at the start of the season for bringing the game into disrepute by being intoxicated at the Manly club’s launch and then allegedly assaulting a teenage girl.
Greg Inglis succeeded Stewart as “the face of the NRL.” Now he, too, is facing charges over allegations he assaulted his girl-friend.
How can a chief executive get a matter of presenting an acceptable “face of the NRL” so wrong, two times?
Gallop has had his time in charge of the NRL.
There are too many incidents of unacceptable behaviour by players taking place in the premier competition of the rugby league code. They are increasing, rather than decreasing, despite all the talk about programs being put in place.
Whatever is being done, isn’t working.
Gallop should ride off into the sunset. It’s time for a new chief executive to clean up the current mess.
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