Beattie says charged players rule must change
AUSTRALIAN Rugby League Commission chairman Peter Beattie is calling every NRL club chairman and asking them one simple question – do they agree with standing down a player facing criminal charges.
Yesterday Rooster’s heavyweight Nick Politis added his name to the majority of club chairmen backing the push to stand down any player until those criminal charges have been decided in court.
And Titans chairman Dennis Watt said: “This is a watershed moment. There is a perception in the community that the NRL tolerates the abuse of women.”
The pressure is building on Mr Beattie and the ARL Commission to act. The reputation of the game is being trashed with Jack de Belin eligible to play and train with the Dragons despite a gang rape charge.
“I am talking to all of the club chairmen,” Mr Beattie said. “We cannot leave the policy as it is, we have to change.”
Under the NRL’s current disciplinary policy players who plead not guilty to criminal charges cannot be stood down until the matter has been resolved by the court. The Australian Rugby League Commission meets next Thursday to review that policy.
“The current policy is damaging the game,” said Mr Beattie, who is contacting every chairman before the policy meeting. Meanwhile disgusted fans and sponsors are abandoning the game.