NSWRL chairman George Peponis is set to lock horns with the ARL Commission on Thursday over his support for embattled Blues skipper Paul Gallen.
Peponis went into bat for Gallen after the Cronulla captain’s abusive tweet directed towards the game’s administrators last week.
Gallen has been fined $50,000 for the social media post and Peponis has been called before ARL Commission to explain his comments of support for the suspended forward.
In a subsequent letter to ARL Commission John Grant, Peponis wrote: “We do not condone what Paul Gallen has been reported to have said, but we will not be drawn into an argument that has nothing to do with us at present.
“I am happy to meet with the ARLC on Thursday.”
The showdown could escalate the Gallen matter, after judiciary chairman Paul Conlon quit his post over the matter on Wednesday, saying: “I have never witnessed a penalty more disproportionate to the offending conduct than that dealt out to Paul Gallen”.
Gallen, who is reportedly suffering from depression, has said he will appeal the fine.
Storm Boy
Guest
So all this shows is the ARLC doesn't control the NSWRL and QRL!!!!!!!!!! But but but we got sold a pup that theNRL plsu ARL merger to make the ARLC would get rid of all the empires in league!!!!!!! #NRL #fail Plus the ARLC don't understand how a rep team gets chosen. There is no NSW Blues captain until the end of May when Origin time rolls around.
Trent
Guest
“Exactly what is it that he’s been called to explain? His right to free speech?”
Johnnyball
Guest
Go get em George, Gallen entitled to a hearing
Fairy fairfax
Roar Rookie
All we hear in defence of this serial offender are excuses, and there are none for someone with the expectations we have of of an appointed leader. I think his fine was knee jerk reaction from a set of suits, but he should have been hit up with something that amplified the stupidity of his act, not to martyr him.