If NRL players think Peter V'landys is the toughest nut to crack on the ARLC commission, they've got another thing coming.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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"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.<\/p>\n
"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.<\/p>\n
"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."<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
"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."<\/p>\n
![\"Brisbane](\"https:\/\/vms-network-images-prod.s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com\/2021\/02\/341103\/S-QTQ-BRONCOS-PRESSER-08_frame_21388.jpeg\")
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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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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