RLPA chief David Garnsey has slammed the ARL Commission for the procedure they adopted in standing down Robert Lui and Isaac Gordon.

North Queensland halfback Lui was stood down for the remainder of the NRL season on Wednesday after pleading guilty to assaulting his girlfriend last year when playing for the Wests Tigers.

Lui had been suspended indefinitely after his court appearance in March as was Cronulla back Gordon, who was charged with assaulting his pregnant partner earlier this year.

Gordon can return to action in round 10 after being slugged with a nine-match suspension, which was backdated from the start of the season.

However, Garnsey blasted the decision to stand the pair down, claiming they had not been given the opportunity to be heard before their penalties were imposed.

In a statement, Garnsey stressed the RLPA was not condoning the offences of which both players had recently been found guilty of and advocated the prevention of violence against women.

“The RLPA abhors any form of violence against women,” Garnsey said.

“We fully support all of the initiatives and programs undertaken to educate players and the wider community about, and to promote, positive attitudes towards women.

“However, while sending a strong message to the community about rugby league’s stance is unquestionably important, that should not be done either at the expense of, or as an alternative to, due process.

“If the commission is considering imposing a penalty that affects not only a player’s career but also his livelihood and personal circumstances, the player must be given a proper opportunity to be heard in respect of what that penalty should be.

“That has not happened here.”