Dragons' drastic measures to keep De Belin on the field

St George Illawarra are preparing for a courtroom showdown with the ARL.

The Dragons served the ARL with legal papers on Wednesday afternoon, informing the league they planned to sue if embattled star Jack de Belin is stood down on Thursday.

Seven Network rugby league reporter Michelle Bishop reported the Dragons believe there should be a presumption of innocence until de Belin’s court case is resolved.

De Belin has pleaded not guilty to the aggravated sexual assault of a 19-year-old woman in a Wollongong apartment.

The Dragons are insisting no decision should be made on his playing future until the court case is completed.

St George’s star is likely to be stood down on full pay on Thursday, while the ARL are likely to announce a crackdown an any player facing serious criminal charges.

Refusal to stand down

De Belin and St George officials met with NRL CEO Todd Greenberg on Wednesday.

Greenberg attempted to convince De Belin to stand down of his own accord while he answers a rape charge.

AAP understands that de Belin declined the opportunity and the Dragons will instead wait for the outcome of Thursday’s momentous meeting of the independent commission.

De Belin has pleaded not guilty to the aggravated sexual assault of a 19-year-old woman in a Wollongong apartment.

Debate has raged about whether he should be sidelined after rugby league game copped a tidal wave of negative publicity over the off-season caused by a string of off-field scandals.

The ARLC will decide whether to change the game’s policy so it can stand down players while they answer serious criminal charges – a move opposed by the Rugby League Players Association (RLPA).

WITH AAP