Penrith Panthers investigate sex video claim
The NRL has launched an investigation into a lewd video which purports to show a Penrith player engaged in a sex act.
With the game still reeling from a disastrous off-season and on a day when the game announced a raft of sanctions for several off-field scandals, the Panthers club and game’s governing body said they were looking into the video.
The Nine Network reported that it showed a person, alleged to be a Panthers player, having sex with a woman.
It was reported that the woman was referred to as a ‘‘ratbag’’ and physically struck.
A NRL spokesman confirmed the matter had been referred to the integrity unit.
‘‘Penrith Panthers has been made aware of a video allegedly involving a Panthers player,’’ the Panthers said in a statement.
‘‘The club is cooperating with the NRL integrity unit and will be making no further comment at this time.’’
If it is proven to be a NRL player, they will face being struck out of the game after NRL CEO Todd Greenberg’s promise to get tough on violence against women.
It has yet to be proven that the person in the video is a NRL player. Last month, a video circulated on social media which was touted as involving two prominent players, however that was proven to be a hoax. Over the past two days, Greenberg has been forced to mete out a series of punishments for poor off-field behaviour.
Just hours after Greenberg addressed the media to announce a laundry list of sanctions for players and clubs, the game was facing yet another potential scandal.
After 17 incidents of poor behaviour over the past five-anda-half months, Greenberg and ARL commission chairman Peter Beattie are attempting to kickstart cultural change by drawing a line in the sand.
❚ Tyson Frizell looks set to shift into the St George Illawarra No 13 while Jack de Belin is stood down from the NRL. The Dragons are facing a forward pack reshuffle with de Belin becoming the first player stood down under the game’s new behaviour policy.
Dragons coach Paul McGregor expressed his disappointment that the NSW Origin forward had been sidelined without having been convicted of a crime, but has turned his attention to getting his side back on track two weeks out from the season kickoff.
He said Frizell would move from his right-edge back-row spot to lock and Jacob Host or Luciano Leuila would come into his starting side.
‘‘You don’t replace a player like Jack — you look from within first and foremost,’’ McGregor said.
‘‘The probability would be for Tyson to go to 13. And young Jacob and Luciano to share the role on the edge back-row.
‘‘Both players have developed well over the last few years and now get their opportunity with this opening.’’
De Belin has pleaded not guilty after being charged with aggravated sexual assault. On Thursday, he released a statement in which he reiterated his innocence. However, he was stood down under the behavioural rules approved by the ARL commission, allowing the NRL to move against any player charged with an offence carrying a jail term of 11 years or more.
The Rugby League Players’ Association has taken up the fight to the game, arguing that it denies the player the right to the presumption of innocence and that Rugby League Central already has the power to strike out a player if there is evidence against him.
De Belin has engaged legal representation and is believed to be considering filing an injunction against the NRL. ‘‘The commission governing the game no doubt have the greater good of the game at heart,’’ McGregor said.
‘‘My thoughts are that Jack is the first NRL player to be denied the presumption of innocence without a witness or video evidence.
‘‘No doubt it’s impacted Jack and his family. Jack maintains he’s innocent and draws strength from that and understands he’ll get his opportunity to defend himself in court.’’
AAP