Police boss' pointed warning to NRL players

If NRL players think Peter V'landys is the toughest nut to crack on the ARLC commission, they've got another thing coming.

It's understood NSW Police commissioner Mick Fuller is considered a fait accompli to fill the one vacant position remaining on the commission ahead of next Friday's annual general meeting.

In a powerful message to misbehaving players, Fuller told the Sydney Morning Herald if he is appointed to the role, heavy sanctions should not depend on criminal convictions.

"There seems to be a belief in the NRL that players shouldn't be sanctioned if there is no criminal conviction. I don't believe that's the case," Fuller said.

"They are doing incredible damage to the reputation of the game. Under employment law, you can be sanctioned. It doesn't come down to a matter of reasonable doubt.

"If you're a plumber, a journalist, whoever, you would be sanctioned for hurting the reputation of your business. In rugby league, you have other stakeholders like the fans and sponsors."

Fuller, who claims to be a lifelong Dragons supporter, addressed the elephant in the room when asked about a perceived conflict of interest being Police Commissioner and on the commission.

"That's a decision for others to make. I don't think there will be. I have said to Peter I will only do the job for nothing. Anything I get paid [a directors' fee of $75,000] will be given to Police Legacy."

The remaining position on the board is available due to the departure of Mark Coyne and Amanda Laing last year. Coyne was touted for a comeback but V'landys denied that was the case this week.

Fuller is seen as the type of acquisition that can can curb the misbehaviour of players which has bruised the image of the game for the past 30 years.

His addition would come at a delicate time in the wake of Broncos' prop Payne Haas receiving a three-match ban and $50,000 fine for abusing a female police officer on a drunken night out last month.

NRL HQ has flagged lifting fines to $100,000 as a deterrent, although clubs and officials are skeptical it will have an impact on players.

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