'Overcooked': NRL admits error in 2016 Mitchell Pearce sanction
NRL CEO Todd Greenberg says he will not apologise to Mitchell Pearce despite admitting his 2016 for his lewd dog video was "overcooked".
Pearce was suspended for eight NRL games and fined $125,000 for his drunken Australia Day antics.
Greenberg said on Friday that he would not say sorry to the Newcastle No.7 despite admitting the governing body erred.
According to multiple reports from The Daily Telegraph and Channel 9, league representatives admitted the punishment was excessive in a meeting with the Roosters two weeks ago.
The league visited with every NRL club to discuss the implementation of a more transparent system for handing out punishments for poor off-field behaviour.
In those meetings, the NRL presented a plan to introduce a ‘matrix’ system which would help determine the most appropriate sanction.
The proposed plan would reduce the amount of power clubs have to penalise their own players.
“Unfortunately, during the off-season we have had a number of players charged with serious offences, which has undone much of the improvement of recent years,” NRL chief operating officer Nick Weeks said.
“This remains a work-in-progress, but the commission has asked us to explore options to strengthen our integrity systems so that we can more effectively protect the reputation of the sport.
“The new no-fault stand down rule is an example of that strengthened environment, but we are exploring other areas of our rules as well.
“For example, we are talking to clubs and the RLPA about the merits of the NRL assuming responsibility for investigation and prosecuting all allegations of misconduct.
“We are also considering the introduction of a schedule of fixed penalties for different offences and the adequacy of the integrity unit’s resources to monitor and prosecute matters.
“In short, the Commission has asked us to consider all options that will assist the League to manage integrity matters and enhance public confidence in the sport.
“There is still a lot of work to be done but we have had a good discussion today with the clubs and the RLPA and we anticipate returning to the Commission with recommendations for reform in the second half of the year.”
WITH AAP
