The NRL has announced a shake-up of its Integrity Unit, in a move it claims marks "a significant step in strengthening the game's integrity framework".
The ARLC on Thursday announced former Supreme Court justice and long time chair of the NRL's judiciary Geoffrey Bellew has been appointed Independent Decision Maker.
In a statement, the ARLC said Bellew will "make determinations on all off-field matters", except those relating to anti-doping or drug testing infringements, or infractions of the vilification code.
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"In his capacity as the IDM, Mr Bellew will make the final determination on any off field disciplinary matter which is governed by the breach notice or show cause notice process under the NRL Rules," the statement read.
The statement said the role was implemented following "extensive" consultation with the clubs and the RLPA.
Bellew has had a near-three decade involvement in rugby league, having served as chair of the joint venture Northern Eagles board in 2000, and then of the Sea Eagles board from 2002-2003.
He has also previously served on the NRL board, and has been judiciary chair since 2015. He was a NSW Supreme Court justice between 2012-2023.
He was last month awarded an AM as a part of Australia Day honours.
His first formal day on the job will be February 26 – less than a week before the season-opening double header in Las Vegas.
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