Morkel
International Captain
Contributor
- Jan 25, 2013
- 25,553
- 29,790
Personally I think players should be expected to be held to a higher standard, as unlike others, their actions have a lasting impact on the game's reputation, not just the player or even the club.
That said, there is an evident injustice at throwing the book at a fringe player who committs a misdemeanour and rug sweeping exercise given to some star players.
I'd also say that players, even flawed ones are also human beings that need support in times of crisis, even of their making.
To me it would seem preferable that players are judged equally for off-field incidents. With that in mind, perhaps suspensions and dismissals be handled by a body external to the club, with punishments for clubs that fail to co-operate.
In the case of dismissal a period of severance, rather than instant dissmissal, with set protocols for reform, allowing the player to find alternative work and to seek assistance, depending upon its nature. This would be a good avenue for the players association to involve itself.
I'm sure some of these things are in play, by individual clubs, but the inconsistency of clubs management of players to me seems to the detriment of the game itself.
Already happens. The NRL have their own committee for bad behaviour, and they have the power to step in and make further sanctions on players when the club is too lenient.