Brisbane father of two Tony Simpson has taken on the NRL, calling for an automatic one-year ban for rugby league players found guilty of violence against women.
Simpson’s internet campaign, launched on www.Change.org over the weekend, was soaring towards 10,000 signatures on Tuesday.
“I’m rapt with the response to the petition. It shows ordinary footy fans don’t want the NRL to be associated in any way with violence against women,” he told AAP.
“The NRL now has a simple choice – it can listen to the views of the community on this issue or it can continue to be seen to be taking a weak stance on violence against women.”
Simpson, a Wests Tigers fan, is prepared to present his petition to ARL chief executive David Gallop and ARL Commission chairman John Grant personally if it means they take a stronger stance against domestic violence.
Simpson’s campaign came after former West Tiger Robert Lui was found guilty last month of assaulting his partner Taleah Rae Backo last year.
Lui was subsequently released by the Tigers and joined North Queensland, the Cowboys suspending the halfback but not sacking him after the verdict was handed down.
“Every single player needs to know there are serious, career-threatening consequences for assaulting a woman,” said Simpson.
People have to provide their full name, address and an e-mail account before they can sign the petition.
Every time someone signs, an e-mail is sent Gallop.
Gallop said the petition proved how much people cared about the issue of domestic violence.
“We applaud that,” he told AAP.
“It’s an area we also care strongly about and one in which we have devoted considerable effort to speaking out against at every level.
“Robert Lui hasn’t played since his conviction and is currently suspended indefinitely as a result of our discussions with the Cowboys on the day he was found guilty in court.
“The initial focus remains the welfare of Robert’s partner Taleah and his son, as well as Robert’s ongoing counselling program.”
Gallop said it was too complex an issue to have set penalties for every situation but added the Cowboys would have to outline further plans for Lui’s rehabilitation to the commission.
Cowboys chairman Peter Jourdain said Lui had been dealt with by a court of law and given a good behaviour bond.
“I’ve said all along this is an issue that is going to polarise people and there are specific circumstances around Robert that only he and his partner will know,” Jourdain said.
“As a 21-year-old living in Sydney, living outside of his environment, what I will say is give him an opportunity where his family are around him and his partner.”
Change.org has more than 10 million members worldwide.
A spokesperson said the petition was one of the fastest-growing on the Australian site which has been operating for about six months.
