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Jack de Belin stood down as new policy confirmed for NRL players charged with serious crimes

28th February, 2019
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28th February, 2019
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The Australian Rugby League Commission (ARLC) and NRL have today announced a new policy that will see players charged with serious crimes subject to a “no-fault stand down” with pay pending the outcome of their legal proceedings.

As a result, Jack de Belin has been stood down indefinitely by the ARLC, while a decision on Dylan Walker is yet to be reached.

The ‘serious crime’ has been defined as an offence that carries a maximum prison sentence of 11 years or more.

Additionally, NRL CEO Todd Greenberg will have discretionary powers to stand down players for other criminal offences, with Beattie saying crimes involving women or children will be particularly scrutinised.

Both Greenberg and Beattie stressed on multiple occasions that applying the policy was in no way a presumption of guilt for any player stood down.

“I stress that the NRL is making no judgement on the guilt or innocence of the player,” Greenberg said in a press release.

“That is not our role. That is the job of the courts – and it will remain so,” he said.

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Greenberg also added he intended to use the discretionary power “sparingly”, and that he personally had to be satisfied of the strength of the allegations and that the reputation of rugby league would be harmed by having that player take the field.

Players will still be permitted to train with their club during the stand down. Contrary to earlier reports, clubs will not automatically receive salary cap relief in the event a player is stood down. However, clubs will be able to apply to the commission for relief.

The decision to implement the new policy was made at this week’s ARLC annual general meeting and made public at a press conference from NRL CEO Todd Greenberg and ARLC chairman Peter Beattie this afternoon.

While players charged with criminal offences have previously been free to play while their cases run their course, a devastating offseason that saw rugby league’s public image damaged by a number of controversies involving high-profile players has seen the ARLC implement this new policy.

Those controversies were headlined by two alleged incidents, one involving Dragons forward Jack de Belin, another involving Manly centre Dylan Walker.

De Belin was charged with aggravated sexual assault, and Walker is currently in court battling charges of common assault related to domestic violence. Both have pleaded not guilty in their respective cases.

De Belin will now be stood down indefinitely with pay under the new policy, while Greenberg told press that a decision on Walker is yet to be reached.

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“We have to take a leadership position to protect our game,” Greenberg said.

“And that is what we will do with a change of policy in place.”

It is important to note that the policy only applies if the player is charged by police – not simply if a public accusation is made.

Speaking after all 16 teams were briefed on the new policy, St George CEO Brian Johnston welcomed the approach to player misbehaviour, but made it clear his club will continue to stand by and support de Belin.

“I’m very supportive of the NRL’s desire to improve player behaviour and propagate the game or rugby league,” Johnston said.

“What we’re dealing with is a very complex and polarising subject regarding Jack de Belin.

“But above all we’ve been guided by the legal system, the NRL rules and code of conduct. Above all we are very, very concerned about the welfare of Jack de Belin, that’s our priority at the present stage.

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“We’re about to head off now and give consideration to the changes the NRL are making to the rules so we can digest that and clearly understand what it means.”

The Rugby League Players’ Association (RLPA) has come out and opposed the changes, however, arguing they significantly impact on the ability of players to earn an income far more so than people in other professions, and will reportedly support players who choose to pursue legal action against the NRL if they’re stood down.

But Kangaroos coach Mal Meninga told AAP he was happy with the, what were at that stage proposed, changes.

“I’m black and white, particularly when it comes to serious crimes,” he said on Wednesday.

“I understand we have great welfare systems. And I also understand there’s a young lady who has made these allegations, there’s a duty of care to make sure we look after her.”

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