Manly players threaten Dally M boycott
Stuart Honeysett and Brent Read | March 13, 2009
Article from: The Australian
MANLY players have discussed boycotting the Dally M awards as a protest against the NRL's treatment of Brett Stewart.
The move came after unsubstantiated reports DNA tests on Stewart after his alleged sexual assault of a teenage girl were negative.
Sources said yesterday Manly players were so disenchanted they have considered skipping future NRL functions, including the Dally Ms.
Any such move would be a blow to the game's awards night, particularly as captain Matt Orford is the reigning Dally M player of the year.
The premier also won gongs last season for halfback of the year (Orford), backrower (Glenn Stewart) and top tryscorer Brett Stewart.
Manly chief executive Grant Mayer spoke to the club's players' union representatives Matt Orford and Jason King last night and said both had denied the threat.
NRL chief executive David Gallop said he hoped the players would come to their senses.
"Hopefully in the cool light of day they will realise that's not an appropriate response," Gallop said. It is understood Manly players discussed several issues at a meeting on Wednesday, including why Stewart was suspended for four matches by the NRL for breaching its code of conduct regarding alcohol consumption.
Specifically, they questioned why Stewart was suspended when others involved in alcohol-related scandals have escaped penalty.
It is believed they spoke about last year's incident in which Brisbane's Karmichael Hunt, Sam Thaiday and Darius Boyd were investigated by police for an alleged sexual assault.
No charges were laid and all three players were allowed to play in the Broncos' semi-final loss to Melbourne at Suncorp Stadium.
Broncos captain Darren Lockyer also came under scrutiny and escaped punishment after he was captured on CCTV footage tackling the owner of a Brisbane nightclub in the street.
Stewart was originally selected by the club to play in its opening game of the season against the Bulldogs at ANZ Stadium tomorrow night, but the NRL board overturned the decision, banning him until round five.
Stewart, who will face Manly Local Court on April 7 after being charged with the sexual assault of a 17-year-old girl, accepted the ban but is contemplating legal action if the NRL try to extend it past that.
Results of the DNA swabs taken from Stewart, which were returned to police yesterday, were apparently negative. But police sources said they would continue with the case.
"We believe we have enough physical evidence and eyewitness reports to proceed with the case against Mr Stewart," a senior police source said.
In announcing Stewart's suspension, Gallop said it had nothing to do with the police case but for tarnishing the game's image.
Under the NRL's code of conduct, players attending NRL or related functions must conduct themselves at all times in public in a "sober, courteous and professional manner". Stewart, who was chosen to head the NRL's $1.5million advertising campaign and launch the season, was refused service and asked to leave the Manly Wharf Hotel during the club's season launch last Friday.
The alleged sexual assault at a North Manly townhouse occurred as Stewart was returning home from the club function.
The Rugby League Professionals Association issued a statement saying Stewart had been "hung out to dry".
RLPA managing director Matt Rodwell said he had "a very angry playing group, particularly those at Manly" who were confused by the lack of consistency from the NRL.
Rodwell also called for an independent body to be formed to deal with indiscretions referred to in the NRL's code of conduct.
In an interview recorded before the alleged assault, and broadcast on the Nine Network's Footy Show last night, Stewart spoke about his responsibilities as one of the game's high-profile players.
Asked if he was aware he had a responsibilty to the game, Stewart said: "I think most players are. Obviously we are under a fair bit of scrutiny. I think you just have to be aware of it when you're going out and just know you're always being watched."
While the playing group has been affected, no one has suffered more than Stewart's brother Glenn. The Sea Eagles second-rower went looking for answers yesterday, speaking to Mayer about the ban on his younger brother.
"He wanted to know a bit more about the meeting with the NRL yesterday," Mayer said.
"You can understand his concerns for his family, his entire family. But he's ready to play."
Mayer also spoke to the team's senior leadership group, explaining the club's decision to impose an alcohol ban on players at official functions.
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