The NRL has cleared Dylan Walker to resume playing and defended it’s no-fault stand down policy in the face of criticism after the Manly centre was acquitted in court.
Walker is free to play for the first time this season when Manly play Cronulla on Sunday, having missed the first nine rounds while his domestic violence charges were dealt with by the courts.
NRL CEO Todd Greenberg on Monday cleared Walker to return after an NRL integrity unit review of the court documents surrounding his acquittal last week.
Greenberg said the case had successfully demonstrated how the new no-fault stand down rule protects the reputation of the game.
“We always said that we make no judgement on the guilt or innocence of any player stood down under this rule,” he said.
“That is a matter for the courts and, in this case, Dylan has been acquitted of the charges and is free to return to the game.
“We thank the Manly club for its support of the new rule and wish Dylan the best for the rest of the season.
“It is clear the no fault stand down rule enables us to protect the reputation of the game while charges are heard – so it is doing its job.”
Greenberg reiterated the rule would only be used where players are charged with serious offences.
“We hope to use it very sparingly – only for the most serious cases – but we believe it is already proving successful in protecting the reputation of the game,” he said.
Australian Rugby League Commission chairman Peter Beattie also claimed the Walker case showed the no-fault stand down rule was fair.
“Clearly the Dylan Walker case demonstrates that this policy did not prejudice players before the court,” he said.
He believed the policy would, over time, lead to improved player behaviour.
“This is about protecting the whole game and all players. If the game loses value players will be paid less,” Beattie said.
“That is how it works. It is that simple.
“I am not backing down on this policy and nor is the ARLC.”
Nat
Roar Guru
I wonder if this 'No fault stand down policy' applies if accused is found not guilty in court but the alleged victim wins a civil case against them, just as Hayne is going through now. Not sure if it's even a legal avenue in Aust. Obviously not going to happen here now that the memory of her bank account has come back but the potential for JBD is there.
catcat
Roar Rookie
This roundabout again....if a player feels hard done by they can sue for compensation. Why did Brett Stewart not do this? I don't know and he probably would have had a good case. As for Dylan...I don't expect to see him suing, de Belin could...but perhaps his wife/partner would not appreciate having his the details of that in court all over again. But if he feels he needs to be compensated just go back to court and get it. Let us keyboard commentators talk about something else for a change.
Forty Twenty
Roar Rookie
Penns personal belief is wrong , it is as simple as that. Do yourself a favor and read up on the Brett Stewart case along with el Masri and others. It is only fringe lunatics who are still saying Brett Stewart did anything wrong. That's the problem with fake allegations , some will believe them no matter what.
Insider
Roar Rookie
Mayer was CEO and Delmege CO OWNER, Mayer (who has Haslers full backing) was forced to stand down by Penn who shortly after moved Des on only to bring in an amateur who brought the club to its knees, as for Penns views the courts proved him wrong why can’t you all accept and just move on
Dyl Walker
Guest
But But Cathar Trieze says it's a societal issue nothing to do with Rugby League. No wonder the sport can't grow
Insider
Roar Rookie
Jimmmy I think you missed my post reference to “different court” I’m reluctant to name it because last time I did I found myself under fire and in the cooler
Rob
Guest
Are the players still being paid whilst they are stood down? I thought they were but not entirely sure. On the other hand, what if JDB plays for 2 years and is found guilty. Really is a bit of a lose lose situation for the NRL. There is going to be people that aren't happy regardless of the outcome.
souvalis
Roar Rookie
Just 2 days ago Chairman Penn told the media that he 'is in favour of stand downs if someone is charged..the game has to take a stance..' and on the 'falsely accused', the chairman of the very same club that endured the Stewart saga tells those beying for Greenberg blood 'my personal belief is that if the police believe there is enough to charge an individual with,then something has happened..' from the Chairman's lips !!....virtually confirming what most believed...he did it but couldnt be emphatically proved..
jimmmy
Roar Rookie
Not guilty, dumb ass.
Insider
Roar Rookie
Different court
Hawtdawg
Guest
Tatters ? He WAS’NT convicted.
Pete
Guest
Once again rugby league in tatters what is it with domestic violence and league players
Forty Twenty
Roar Rookie
I wonder if the Storms management will be as keen on the policy if a couple of their players are falsely accused of something very serious and end up losing a couple of Grand Finals narrowly as a result? Couldn't really happen could it?
Insider
Roar Rookie
Agreed but Chee Kams actions are worse, they are bringing game into disrepute
Chui
Guest
Maybe Teflon Toddy look into Walker eyes. That's how Lodge got a start.
Gray-Hand
Roar Rookie
Steady on. A bit of perspective: Chee Kam has a criminal conviction, a $2000 fine and a 12 month good behaviour bond. For a slap. That parramatta player will miss out on 160 minutes of playing rugby league. And he still gets paid. For a tackle that would probably put anyone but a professional rugby league player in hospital.
Gray-Hand
Roar Rookie
If JDB is cleared to play and later found not guilty, then that’s an appropriate outcome. He should be compensated for the suspension he has already endured.
Insider
Roar Rookie
If that’s the case we are in serious trouble because if the NRL is a reflection of society as men we are not in a good place, a Parramatta player will spend more time out of the game because of a tackle than what Chee Kam will from a guilty plea to common assault
Gray-Hand
Roar Rookie
I assume it’s because the charge: 1. wasn’t against a woman; or 2. a child;and 3. didn’t have a maximum penalty of 11 years or more; And there for did not activate the no fault stand down policy.
Insider
Roar Rookie
Micheal Chee Kam ? You should be asking why, forget Walker it’s done, finished! What’s going to happen if JDB is cleared to play then found not guilty of any charges? It’s just a mess