THIS all could have been avoided." With these words, a security guard employed by the Manly Sea Eagles last night claimed the controversial Bulldogs sexual assault scandal could have been averted.
Dave Millward, 35, travelled to Cairns with Manly last weekend for a trial match and went through a series of protective measures so players would avoid any off-field controversy.
Millward predicted all rugby league clubs will shortly employ security guards to shield players.
A former Souths player, Millward's duties last weekend for Manly included:
* Going to a nightclub with players and asking each one report to him before leaving.
* Leaving the team bus at the ground before the players to check the route to dressing rooms was safe.
* Scouting the nightclub before players arrived to ensure the players were in a friendly environment.
Millward is certain had the Bulldogs employed a security guard the current saga would not have occurred.
"A negotiator (security guard) could have seen what was going on," Millward told The Daily Telegraph.
"I am there to chaperone the players, mediate and negotiate.
"You have to be pro-active and see any problems coming.
"I think this will be the way of the future for rugby league."
Millward told of the system he uses with Manly players.
"We all go out together and at any stage if a player wants to leave he has to come and see me," Millward said.
"I was there to keep an eye on things (after Friday's match against North Queensland) and to supervise.
"If the players get drunk, I put them straight into a taxi.
"Thankfully that didn't happen in Cairns.
"The players aren't allowed to leave alone and go to another nightclub. If we go, and majority rules, we go as a group.
"We all stay together and I always have full vision of the players.
'I spoke to the bouncers before we went in so they had a face to deal with if the group got rowdy.
"At games I'll get off the team bus first and make the route to the dressing room is safe and okay."
Millward spoke with Manly coach Des Hasler the following morning at 8am to discuss the previous night's activities.
"I went and briefed Des that next morning," Millward said. "I told him what happened and where we went. Des said he had the best night's sleep in a long time because he didn't have any worries."
Manly football manager Peter Peters said Millward was a "blessing" for his club.
"The players respect Dave and know if he is ignored they will be dealt with by the club," Peters said.
"This will be the way the game goes in the future.
"The game is suffering from an image problem.
"It is the obligation of all clubs to protect players from serial pests and from themselves.
"Already some clubs are looking at doing the same."
North Queensland are also believed to be looking at hiring a security guard.
I know Dave through work having someone like him will avoid our players getting them selfs in the shit.
