The Rugby League Players’ Association (RLPA) has released the following statement after a breach notice was issued to Corey Norman over the weekend.
RLPA Chief Executive Officer, Clint Newton, said further work needs to be done to ensure players feel supported and protected by the game.
“Corey has our full support in disputing the sanctions outlined in his breach notice,” Newton said.
“Based on the information we have been provided, our view is that the proposed sanction is particularly unfair.
“We have provided our support and advice to Corey and his management throughout this matter and will continue to do so.
“We’ve also been contacted by a number of players who have shared their feelings of frustration with the lack of protection provided by the game in such instances where they or their fellow players have felt targeted.
“No doubt there has been examples where the game has moved swiftly to protect players, but like anything, there are opportunities to improve.
“It’s an area that players feel passionately about and one that they look forward to discussing with Andrew and the Commission.
“This is an opportunity to have a much bigger conversation than just Corey’s matter.
“We understand the serious impact integrity matters can have on the game, which is why we want to work with the relevant stakeholders on this area.
“However, any sanction in isolation is not going to achieve the outcomes we should be striving for, which are behavioural change and improved decision making by the very small minority.
“I’m yet to see evidence to suggest that introducing stiffer sanctions is the silver bullet. We already have one of the toughest sanctioning regimes across sports.
“We need to come together and engage with industry experts to develop and implement a better system that focusses on supporting our people first, whilst also being underpinned by accountability, education and rehabilitation.”
