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ARLC chairman Peter Beattie has survived a test of his leadership after Jack de Belin's Federal Court case against the NRL was dismissed.
ARL Commission chairman Peter Beattie has survived the biggest test of his 15-month tenure in rugby league's top job after the game's Federal Court win against Jack de Belin.
Beattie's head was rumoured to be on the chopping block during de Belin's case against the ARLC and NRL and their "no fault" stand down rules.
The former Queensland premier was the public face of the game's push to introduce the rules, which allows the NRL to stand down any player accused of a crime which carries a jail term of 11 years or more.
While the rule was approved unanimously by the eight ARL commissioners, Beattie was the key driver of the hardline stance after rugby league's reputation took a battering during the game's tumultuous off-season which saw several players charged with serious offences.
The NRL's court win will remove any speculation he could be forced out, however it has been rumoured he will step down of his own accord in the next 12 months.
Beattie said Justice Melissa Perry's decision was not cause for celebration, maintaining he always acted in the best interests of rugby league.
"As was the case with Dylan Walker, if Jack de Belin is found innocent by the courts, then he'll be welcomed back to the game," Beattie said.
"This is about protecting the game of rugby league."
The NRL came under pressure to introduce the rules from Channel Nine and Fox Sports who warned the game's future broadcast values would tumble if players charged with serious crimes are allowed to continue to turn out on the field.
Melbourne Storm chairman Bart Campbell said the club was forced to accept $500,000 under market value for their front of jersey sponsorship after several business told them they didn't want to be associated with rugby league as a result of the game's "summer from hell".
Beattie was bullish the game could bounce back, predicting the on-field product would speak for itself.
"We move on by what you saw last night, we saw a fantastic game of rugby league," Beattie said.
"The Storm came back in the last two minutes and defeated the Tigers, the Tigers showed all the guts and determination of a fighting team.
"Everyone who is watching rugby league knows it's the greatest game of all. It was demonstrated last night and you'll see it again this weekend. The quality of the players will lift this game back to where it needs to be."
