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THE NRL has flagged the possibility of docking clubs competition points as it battles to curb the discipline problems that plagued the competition this year.
The development comes as sacked Canberra star Todd Carney, who had his contract torn up and was de-registered by the NRL, moves to Sydney to join glamour club the Sydney Roosters tomorrow.
NRL bosses are set to beef up the disciplinary approach when a former American NFL heavyweight addresses league's annual football conference this month.
Former NFL director of football operations Gene Washington overhauled the NFL's disciplinary code, handing the sport's bosses the power to fine, suspend or banish individuals who breached the personal conduct policy.
The NRL holds clubs accountable for their employees' behaviour. Chief operating officer Graham Annesley confirmed docking points was the biggest stick it could wield as it explored every option in a bid to rein in off-field controversy.
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"We've got the power to dock points. We do have wide-ranging powers in concern to doing that,'' Annesley said. The Bulldogs (in 2006) had that hanging over their heads in terms of crowd behaviour.''
Annesley and NRL chief executive David Gallop are hoping Washington can help turn around the perception that rugby league players are running riot.
Last season was a howler, with the Queensland team investigated over claims of wild nights out during the dead rubber camp for OriginIII.
League pin-ups Greg Inglis and Brett Stewart were stood down after being hit with police charges.
In March, Bulldogs Jamal Idris, Ben Barba and Lee Te Maari were involved in a punch-up while Sharks chief executive Tony Zappia was sacked for a series of off-field incidents.
The league also fined Manly $100,000 for failing to police the consumption of alcohol by its players at the club's boozy season launch.
Last year was also one to forget, with the Broncos' Alhambra Lounge saga and Greg Bird's sacking over an incident involving his girlfriend Katie Milligan creating ugly headlines.
"I think the clubs are held accountable (by the NRL),'' Annesley said.
"They employ the players and when they misbehave the club is responsible.''
Annesley said Washington's experience would still prove a valuable resource for rugby league. "He's come down heavily on some players in the past,'' Annesley said.
"We'll listen to him to hear how they investigate (misbehaviour), how they determine what action to take and whether others have input into that."
"How that equates between us and the NFL, we're not sure. What we're hoping for from this conference is that players, coaches and CEOs might reach a consensus.''
THE NRL has flagged the possibility of docking clubs competition points as it battles to curb the discipline problems that plagued the competition this year.
The development comes as sacked Canberra star Todd Carney, who had his contract torn up and was de-registered by the NRL, moves to Sydney to join glamour club the Sydney Roosters tomorrow.
NRL bosses are set to beef up the disciplinary approach when a former American NFL heavyweight addresses league's annual football conference this month.
Former NFL director of football operations Gene Washington overhauled the NFL's disciplinary code, handing the sport's bosses the power to fine, suspend or banish individuals who breached the personal conduct policy.
The NRL holds clubs accountable for their employees' behaviour. Chief operating officer Graham Annesley confirmed docking points was the biggest stick it could wield as it explored every option in a bid to rein in off-field controversy.
Start of sidebar. Skip to end of sidebar.
End of sidebar. Return to start of sidebar.
"We've got the power to dock points. We do have wide-ranging powers in concern to doing that,'' Annesley said. The Bulldogs (in 2006) had that hanging over their heads in terms of crowd behaviour.''
Annesley and NRL chief executive David Gallop are hoping Washington can help turn around the perception that rugby league players are running riot.
Last season was a howler, with the Queensland team investigated over claims of wild nights out during the dead rubber camp for OriginIII.
League pin-ups Greg Inglis and Brett Stewart were stood down after being hit with police charges.
In March, Bulldogs Jamal Idris, Ben Barba and Lee Te Maari were involved in a punch-up while Sharks chief executive Tony Zappia was sacked for a series of off-field incidents.
The league also fined Manly $100,000 for failing to police the consumption of alcohol by its players at the club's boozy season launch.
Last year was also one to forget, with the Broncos' Alhambra Lounge saga and Greg Bird's sacking over an incident involving his girlfriend Katie Milligan creating ugly headlines.
"I think the clubs are held accountable (by the NRL),'' Annesley said.
"They employ the players and when they misbehave the club is responsible.''
Annesley said Washington's experience would still prove a valuable resource for rugby league. "He's come down heavily on some players in the past,'' Annesley said.
"We'll listen to him to hear how they investigate (misbehaviour), how they determine what action to take and whether others have input into that."
"How that equates between us and the NFL, we're not sure. What we're hoping for from this conference is that players, coaches and CEOs might reach a consensus.''
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