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St George Illawarra lock Jack de Belin has been ruled out of this weekend’s NRL trial against South Sydney due to player welfare concerns.
De Belin has pleaded not guilty to one count of aggravated sexual assault and will return to court in April.
His immediate playing future will be decided when the ARL Commission meets on Thursday to consider changes to the code’s governing of player behaviour.
The NRL is considering whether they can stand down players accused of serious offences and any change in policy could result in the NSW State of Origin star being sidelined while he answers the charges.
De Belin was ruled out of the club’s opening trial last weekend because of a virus but was up for selection for Saturday’s Charity Shield in Mudgee, only for the club to rule him out.
“In the interest of player welfare, Jack de Belin will not travel with the squad to Mudgee or participate in the Charity Shield,” the Dragons said in a statement on Tuesday.
Australian coach Mal Meninga has called for any player accused of a serious charge to be stood down and there is growing support for the NRL to change policy after an off-season filled with scandal.
However, the Rugby League Players’ Association has fought back and says it will oppose any change, warning against disregarding the presumption of innocence.
© AAP
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