LeagueNews.co | Jess Malloy
Penrith coach Ivan Cleary expressed strong opposition to the Australian Rugby League Commission's (ARLC) recent decision to grant itself additional powers to charge players for incidents overlooked by the match review committee (MRC).
He described this move as indicative of a "disturbing" lack of confidence in the existing disciplinary system, asserting it is in need of repair.
Cleary's criticism follows the suspension of Scott Sorensen for two matches due to a hip-drop tackle, which the coach believes led to a "cold case" investigation simply because a player was injured.
This incident has fueled calls for amendments to the hip-drop rule.
Additionally, the Rugby League Players Association (RLPA) has voiced "serious concerns" regarding the judiciary code changes that allow the ARLC "absolute discretion and extraordinary powers" to charge players.
While the league's administration argues this measure provides an extra layer of player protection, both the RLPA and Cleary have rejected the notion, suggesting it undermines player trust in the MRC.
Cleary articulated his disappointment about a charge from the recent weekend, stating, "I would suggest that the danger there is that the commission is not showing a lot of confidence in the MRC, I would say.
I don't know if that's the actual reason, but you can assume that, which is a little disturbing."