The NRL is exploring the prospect of removing clubs from the process of sanctioning misbehaving players and leaving it solely in the hands of a beefed-up integrity unit. The game is also dealing with a string of criminal charges against leading players relating to domestic violence. NRL chief executive Todd Greenberg has warned the game will come down harder than ever on misbehaving players after a "train wreck" of an off-season. The NRL and the RLPA are discussing the prospect of sanctioning players after their court cases have been resolved, even if they are found not guilty. The move would allow misbehaving players to feel the full force of the NRL's new hardline stance without prejudicing court proceedings.

Source: Stuff February 14, 2019 20:37 UTC