The players’ union has launched an attempt to have the NRL’s controversial “no- fault” stand-down rule struck out under the collective bargaining agreement.
The Rugby League Players’ Association (RLPA) on Friday confirmed they had issued the NRL a dispute over the rule which allows the governing body to stand down any player accused of a serious crime.
Jack de Belin and Tyrone May were the first players stood down under the rules after they were introduced in March.
De Belin’s St George Illawarra teammate and RLPA board member Jeremy Latimore earlier in the week threw his support behind a challenge.
The players’ union argue the players, clubs and NRL did not agree to the rule during collective bargaining agreement negotiations in 2017.
They say there is also a greater issue at stake and if the “no-fault” policy is allowed to stand, then the NRL could ring in any changes to the rules or employment conditions they wish.
“To be clear, our challenge under the CBA is about protecting the collective interests of our members,” RLPA chief executive Ian Prendergast said.
“We are acting to protect the rights of our members, the importance of the collective bargaining agreement and our role as the representatives of players.
“If we allow changes like this policy to be made without our agreement, it completely undermines the ability for the RLPA to properly represent its members and the validity of the CBA.”
The RLPA and NRL will in the next few weeks meet to negotiate the issue and if it cannot be resolved, they will enter mediation and then arbitration.
Last week the Federal Court ruled against De Belin’s challenge of the hardline policy in what was a landmark win for the NRL.
The NRL introduced the rule in an attempt to protect their image and interests after a summer marred by negative headlines in which several players were charged with serious crimes.
De Belin faces a sexual assault charge to which he has pleaded not guilty.
“We recognise that there was a need for the NRL to address the series of incidents that occurred during the off season and the pressure it placed the game under – particularly from commercial partners and other important stakeholders,” Prendergast said.
“The commitment under the partnership model is that we will put our heads together and jointly develop solutions to the societal issues impacting our game – but unfortunately that has not happened on this occasion.
“We remain committed to working with the NRL and clubs to find a better approach to dealing with complex issues of this nature and improving the culture within the sport, including around the respect and inclusion of women.”
