Jack de Belin has been stood down after the ARL Commission announced controversial changes to its behavioural policy that it claims can fix the game’s broken culture.
But the raft of measures could still be met with opposition, with St George Illawarra considering their position on the matter and the Rugby League Players Association expected to oppose the changes.
De Belin, who has pleaded not guilty to aggravated sexual assault, became the first player to be stood down under what the NRL claimed was a “no-fault” policy on Thursday that showed no indication of guilt.
The new rules, announced by ARL Commission chairman Peter Beattie, will see players facing charges which carry a jail term of 11 years or more to be stood down.
The NRL chief executive Todd Greenberg also has the discretion to stand down players facing other serious charges, including violence against women and children.
It comes after an off-season which has included 17 off-field incidents and scandals at the rate of almost one every 10 days.
“I do (believe this can change the culture),” Beattie said.
“Because this is the first time we’ve actually got a rule with teeth.
“It’s a rule that can bring about cultural change.
“It’s a rule that says to everyone in the game that you have got to behave.
“At the end of it all we’ve got to have standards and values. We’ve sent out a message.”
The policy change had been strenuously opposed by the RLPA before the announcement, which says it will prejudice the players’ right to a fair trial.
They have already indicated they will support any player who wishes to exercise their legal rights.
“This is not uncommon in many work places,” Greenberg said.
“If you are facing very serious criminal charges in a lot of work places you will step down. This is a no-fault stance.”
Beattie claimed the changes had been supported by 15 of the NRL’s 16 clubs chairs.
However the Dragons said they would consider the changes made by the game’s decision makers and they were concerned for the NSW State of Origin forward’s welfare.
“I’m very supportive of the desire of the NRL to improve player behaviour and propagate the game of rugby league,” Dragons chief executive Brian Johnston said.
“What we’re dealing with is a very polarising and complex subject regarding Jack de Belin.
“Above all we’re being guided by the legal system, the NRL rules and code of conduct. And above all we’re very concerned about the welfare of Jack de Belin. That’s our priority.
“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.”