News: NRL's bid to stop Manly fullback Brett Stewart playing Bulldogs

[Cameron]

<p>THE NRL is on the verge of standing down Manly's champion fullback Brett Stewart in the opening round of the premiership this weekend. Chief executive David Gallop is this morning in crisis talks with Manly officials, who defied the NRL late last night by clearing Stewart to play against the Bulldogs on Saturday despite the star being charged with sexually assaulting a 17-year-old girl. Senior NRL sources have told the Daily Telegraph Online that Gallop is determined to overturn the Manly board decision later today. </p>

<a href="http://www.silvertails.net/news/Sea-Eagles/nrls-bid-to-stop-manly-fullback-brett-stewart-playing-bulldogs.html">Read the full article</a>

 

[eggson]

Not good, considering you have a case for and against being stood down (players being dropped vs players playing on).  Perhaps what will be the difference is the girls age?

This will set a precedent no doubt, and Brett will be copping it either way.

 

[Chip and Chase]

Gee Gallop pi$$es me off. He is a muppet of the highest order. Where is all this determination and concern for the game he is exhibiting on this issue (due to him folding under media pressure like the origami swan he is), for the other more pressing issues. Pity he didn't show some leadership when it comes to disentangling the NRL from its incestuous relationship with News, Channel 9 and Telstra. Why isn't he "leading the way" in fixing the ridiculous video refereeing standards and the inconsistent judiciary (he conveniently sacked them when they had the temerity to sue one of his employers pet projects, the Melbourne Storm). How about the state of the game in the country areas ? Where is the hardball on negotiating broadcast rights ?

Put simply......f@rk off Gallop you are a News Ltd puppet and a goose.

 

[Canteen Worker]

Stepping down is a big decision for a number of reasons.

The league are wanting to remove the publicity and get out from the glare of the media. However, if he does stand down, how long?

A case like this is likely to take around 12 months. A preliminary hearing in which charges are formally laid, a committal hearing and (should it proceed further) a full court case takes place. It would be ugly as all the details of the case,once revealed in court could be reported upon, including allegations, family history etc. The prosecution will paint Brett to the be the devil incarnate whilst the defence will paint the girl and her family to be unreliable frauds. It will be ugly for both parties, though her being Under 18 may save her from some of the publicity. This is the reason why so many sexual assaults fail to reach court or reach conviction stage.

It is hard as if Brett is innocent as claimed, for Manly to lose their key player and him tolose income plus affect his team is a huge blow. Obviously, if  he was to be found guilty there would be subsequent penalties beyond those of court!