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Inglis throws support behind ARLC clean up

3 minute read

Greg Inglis says he would not oppose any changes to behavioural policy made by the ARLC should they wish to stand down players accused of serious crimes.

GREG INGLIS catches a pass during a Queensland Maroons State of Origin training session at ANZ Stadium in Sydney, Australia.
GREG INGLIS catches a pass during a Queensland Maroons State of Origin training session at ANZ Stadium in Sydney, Australia. Picture: Mark Kolbe/Getty Images

Greg Inglis says he won't oppose any changes to behaviour policy as a potential showdown looms between the NRL and the players' association.

Next Thursday shapes as a monumental day for the game as the ARL Commission gets set to consider behavioural guidelines and whether they can stand down players accused of serious crimes.

After a summer littered with off-season scandals, the decision not to stand down Jack de Belin and Dylan Walker has split the game.

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

Walker has pleaded not guilty to common assault following an alleged domestic incident at his Sydney home and will appear in court next week, two days before the commission is due to meet.

While the Rugby League Players Association says to stand down players before they are convicted would rob them of their right to the presumption of innocence, there is growing appetite for change.

Australian coach Mal Meninga has said players facing serious charges should be sidelined to protect the image of the code.

Inglis - who was appointed Australian skipper before being stripped of the honour after he was caught drink driving in October - said he was happy to abide by any change.

"I've been through that kind of ordeal," Inglis said.

"I've had my punishment handed to me and I've accepted it.

"Whatever the NRL and the commission come up with next week, that's their rules. They're the ones running the game and looking after the image of the game."

Inglis was stood down from Australia's Tests against New Zealand and Tonga last year after he was caught speeding with an excess blood alcohol reading while returning from an indigenous tournament in Dubbo.

While Inglis said he was happy to abide by any change, the RLPA is stepping up their opposition to any shift of policy.

They would not speculate about any contingencies and legal recourse should the ARLC seek to change tack but they were adamant any changes to a players' employment conditions must be agreed to by the union.

Inglis said he accepted his punishment and it was up to him to not only win back the Kangaroos captaincy from Boyd Cordner, but also his Australian jersey.

"I've got to get the respect of my peers, the younger generation coming through," Inglis said.

"Mal has always said he's going to pick the players in the best form in their positions. He has to make sure the guys are doing the right things off the field and are playing well for their clubs."

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