The NRL’s integrity unit has been asked to answer questions on its own consistency in a report requested by the Australian Rugby League Commission (ARLC).
Less than five weeks out from the March 14 season opener between Melbourne and Brisbane, player behaviour remains the biggest issue in the game after a tumultuous summer of off-field dramas.
The subject was a key component of a commission meeting last Wednesday, when the ARLC asked the NRL to work with clubs, players and their union to reduce integrity matters.
Consistency of punishments is still a big talking point. While chairman Peter Beattie defended the integrity unit on the weekend on social media, he confirmed a report into the matter had also been requested.
“The issue of consistency is often seen through the prism of club interest and not what is in the best interests of the game,” Beattie tweeted.
“Nevertheless, it is an important issue and that is why the ARLC has asked the Integrity Unit to report on the issue of consistency in the first half of this year.
“Behaviour is incredibly hard to regulate. Those involved with policing are rarely popular. Without proper policing and standards we will not have a game.”
A NRL spokesman on Monday confirmed to AAP the report had been requested by the ARLC.
The issue of consistency in player punishments is set to dominate discussion in the early stages of the season.
Ben Barba’s deregistration and Greg Inglis’ sacking as Kangaroos captain are among punishments handed out this summer to players, but several other issues are still before the courts.
NRL CEO Todd Greenberg has vowed to come down hard on any players found guilty of serious offences, a stance firmly backed by the ARLC.
Dylan Napa’s leaked lewd videos also remain the subject of an integrity unit investigation, and will be sure to kick off debate when findings are complete.
Consistency debate has been fuelled by no punishments for any South Sydney players after the lewd texting scandal during last year’s finals.
The return of Matt Lodge also led to negative headlines last year, after two years out of the game over his violent 2015 New York rampage.
“(Rugby league) has (tried) to be compassionate, rehabilitative and give young, remorseful players another chance. Sadly that policy has been tested by off season behaviour,” Beattie tweeted.
“As a result the ARLC/ NRL have spelt out the game’s policy which I have highlighted over the weekend.”
The Barry
Roar Guru
“The issue of consistency is often seen through the prism of club interest and not what is in the best interests of the game,” I hold high hopes for the outcome of the report when the chair is making ridiculous deflecting comments like this before it’s even started. I have a feeling the integrity unit consists of a DVD player and an old ex front rower who spends his days asleep somewhere deep in the bowels of NRL HQ...
BA Sports
Roar Guru
Also almost ironic that we are basically asking the Integrity Unit to do an integrity check on the Integrity Unit...
Peter Piper
Guest
Get real folks, this is the NRL doing a damage limitation exercise. They know that the Barba ban caused a negative reaction in some quarters, accusations of inconsistency with quotes around Lodge, Inglis et al and they also know that they are going to have to ban a few more blokes in the coming weeks / months. So what better way to ward off criticism than to hold your own investigation into this unit, staffed by your own people, a relatively benign outcome and a proposal for how to do these things better in future ? Then every time you ban someone you just waive the report at the press - accusations defused. That is politics for you.
BA Sports
Roar Guru
Wish I could be at the next Board Meeting when Beattie says - "so where is the Integrity Unit report?" and Greenberg has to respond - "Here is the thing - we don't actually have an Integirty Unit.."
Paul
Roar Guru
I'm not sure why they need a report which will read " the NRL has been inconsistent and needs to become more consistent".
Molly’s Hatchet
Guest
A bit ironic, a man with zero integrity, requesting a report on it.