Updated
The Australian Rugby League Commission (ARLC) has announced it will stand down players facing serious indictable offences on full pay while they are before the courts.
The code has been marred by off-season controversies including St George Illawarra Dragons forward Jack de Belin being charged with aggravated sexual assault in company.
The commission says the change will help rebuild the game’s reputation and will come into affect for the start of the NRL season.
The ARLC defines a “serious indictable offence” as one carrying a maximum penalty of 11 years imprisonment or more.
De Belin will not be able to play after being charged with aggravated sexual assault and pleading not guilty, but will continue to train with the club.
“Considering what is in the best interests of the game and we have unanimously agreed to establish a benchmark — so there will be a no fault stand down for serious indictable offences with a max penalty of 11 years or above,” said ARLC chairman Peter Beattie.
“This is about rebuilding the reputation of rugby league.”
If a player is charged with an offence that carries a maximum penalty of less than 11 years behind bars, club CEOs will have the power to stand a player down where the alleged offence involves women or children.
“We are concerned about player wellbeing so they will be entitled to full pay and will be able to train with the club,” Mr Beattie said.
“We are making no judgement on any player charged with any offence, the innocence of guilt is up to the courts.
Mr Beattie said clubs would be able to apply for salary cap relief, on a case-by-case basis.
“It has been a very difficult period for the game, this policy enables us to be fair to the game and the players standing down players for violent crimes and serious assaults against women,” said NRL Chief Executive Todd Greenberg.
“We are not inferring the player involved is guilty.”
The NRL has not yet made a ruling on Manly centre Dylan Walker, who has pleaded not guilty to the common assault of his fiance in December.
His fiance has since retracted her claims he pulled her hair causing her to fall over her while holding the couples four month old son.
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