The Rumours Thread

[Maximus]

That is true but others had had their contracts torn up and the players deregistered so that could have been applied to Lodge but was not and in light of the seriousness of the charges you would have to ask why not.

Huh? He was deregistered for 2 years

Wayne Bennett’s role in convincing Matt Lodge to sign for Broncos, return to the NRL

Bennett’s role in Matt Lodge’s NRL redemption attempt

www.foxsports.com.au

 

[Dragonslayer]

Interesting reading the comments above. I believe that no-one is right and I believe no-one is wrong in the way they are thinking what should or shouldn't occur re: Amone.

So here is my thinking on the matter, be it right or wrong:

Amone has been charged with an offence, an offence that could have had a very serious stint in the "big house". The fact now it will be trialed in a lesser court, doesn't detract from the fact he is still facing some time behind bars. The fact that he has pleaded not guilty, enforces the prosecution to prove its case, whatever the final charges to be laid.

We have seen with the DeBelin case, that it can drag on for many months.

Which brings me to the next point. if the NRL relinquishes the NFSDP and allows Amone to 'play", it is very unlikely in the foreseeable future that he will see any first grade. Consider the fact he hasn't had the 'intense" training sessions required, the fact that his 'replacement' should be given an opportunity simply based on the, well let's say, the training combinations. There is also the fact that he will have to be prepped for his upcoming court trial, which may include missing training and/or games. If he were to be parachuted directly into the first-grade spot, then as a matter of necessity to clear his name, miss training etc. That in itself wouldn't be appropriate and create uncertainty amongst the players.

One would also have to consider that opposition fans would not be kind to him either, I could foresee some pretty nasty comments being directed to him as well as posters etc. Again, this would have some impact on his psyche.

So, imo, if the NRL does retract its stance on Amone and allows him to play, I feel a stint in KOE Cup I(which he has never played in before) whilst other business takes precedent, would be more beneficial in the long run to him and the Club. If cleared in Court then, like everyone else should, he would have to 'earn' his spot back in First grade, particularly if Bud or anyone else is performing well. That should act as his penance and up to him to prove himself.

 

[Old Timer]

The fact he liked this post, indicates that he believes Amone's actions are ok because he is a good player

Incorrect.

What he is saying is that If Amone is eligible to play and still has a contract and is part of our club then you select him.

If he is eligible to play and still has a contract with us are you saying we should just pay him and not play him?

Or are you saying like many others well we can play him but just not in 1st grade.?

Isn't it hypocritical of people to say or think like that?

 

[Old Timer]

Huh? He was deregistered for 2 years

Wayne Bennett’s role in convincing Matt Lodge to sign for Broncos, return to the NRL

Bennett’s role in Matt Lodge’s NRL redemption attempt

www.foxsports.com.au

Yes 2 years not life so again the NRL were arbitrary and despite the heinous nature of his crimes and his tardiness to settle the claim no problems for Bennett or Politis in having him around the club.

FFS people wake up Johns is an immortal, Gallen is high paid commentator, Flannagan is still involved in the game, cocaine use everywhere, some people including players still think The Storm were cheated out of premierships the NRL has no culture.

 

[possm]

Yes 2 years not life so again the NRL were arbitrary and despite the heinous nature of his crimes and his tardiness to settle the claim no problems for Bennett or Politis in having him around the club.

FFS people wake up Johns is an immortal, Gallen is high paid commentator, Flannagan is still involved in the game, cocaine use everywhere, some people including players still think The Storm were cheated out of premierships the NRL has no culture.

Before Amone was stood down by the NRL, the NRL should have waited for confirmation that Amone was in fact facing a jail term of 14 years or more if found guilty because this was the criteria for standing him down.

 

[Maximus]

Incorrect.

What he is saying is that If Amone is eligible to play and still has a contract and is part of our club then you select him.

If he is eligible to play and still has a contract with us are you saying we should just pay him and not play him?

Or are you saying like many others well we can play him but just not in 1st grade.?

Isn't it hypocritical of people to say or think like that?

I think his contract should be torn up, just like numerous people who have been charged in the past. I think it is hypocritical for people to talk about the culture of the club being bad, and then get excited about him playing because he's good at footy.

 

[Parko1310]

I think his contract should be torn up, just like numerous people who have been charged in the past. I think it is hypocritical for people to talk about the culture of the club being bad, and then get excited about him playing because he's good at footy.

Sacking him could give the court an inference of Amone's guilt, potentially hindering his right to a fair trial. Should the NRL allow him to play, the club should stand him down indefinitely themselves until the matter is resolved. I agree he should not play at the very least until we get to that point. If, hypothetically, he is to be found innocent in court, then the debate can start about whether or not the Dragons should sack/release him. It's frustrating, but we need to just sit and wait for this one to play out unless it gets to a point where the trial is still ongoing and Amone's contract runs out, in which case you would hope the Dragons don't make the same error again by re-signing a player on trial.

 

[Mojo]

Before Amone was stood down by the NRL, the NRL should have waited for confirmation that Amone was in fact facing a jail term of 14 years or more if found guilty because this was the criteria for standing him down.

It's the maximum sentence applicable to the charge that triggers the NFSD policy, not the term of the sentence that can be imposed by the court in which the case is prosecuted.

 

[Maximus]

Sacking him could give the court an inference of Amone's guilt, potentially hindering his right to a fair trial.

Rubbish. Otherwise it would be illegal for businesses to fire someone charged with a crime.

And if the NRL allowed him to play but the club stood him down, it'd have the exact same result.

 

[Maximus]

It's the maximum sentence applicable to the charge that triggers the NFSD policy, not the term of the sentence that can be imposed by the court in which the case is prosecuted.

Yep, the relevant test is the maximum applicable sentence under the Crimes Act, which remains 14 years.

If a Player is charged with a Serious Criminal Offence, he will be automatically subject to a No-Fault Stand Down Condition… where a Player has been charged with a criminal offence (other than a Serious Criminal Offence) and the Chief Executive Officer or the Chief Operating Officer forms the opinion, in their absolute discretion [that the player is bringing the game into disrepute, then they shall be stood down]

What court is hearing it doesn't change the fact that he has been charged with a Serious Criminal Offence per the definition.

 

[Parko1310]

Rubbish. Otherwise it would be illegal for businesses to fire someone charged with a crime.

And if the NRL allowed him to play but the club stood him down, it'd have the exact same result.

Untrue. A business has the autonomy to decide what their stance on the issue is. They can choose to be responsible or irresponsible, that's up to them. Most professional sporting teams around the world stand a player down charged with a serious crime, remaining impartial as to whether they believe the accused to be guilty or innocent. The club standing him down does not give the inference of guilt, it gives the inference they don't want to have the reputation (should the accused be found guilty) of having someone represent them after they have in fact committed a crime. The best thing to do is stand him down from all club duties, including training, until the matter is resolved in court.

In my view, it's irresponsible of the Dragons to have Amone be part of any club duties until a resolution has been reached. It would also be irresponsible of the Dragons to sack him. The best thing they can do is remain impartial. Why Amone is training with the squad and wearing a Dragons kit is anyone's guess, that should not be the case at this stage.

 

[2218]

What excuse can there be for Amone that you would condone his actions?

Any excuse hes given if not convicted.

 

[Old Timer]

The coach’s job is to get the best team he can onto the park in an attempt to win football games and please fans and sponsors.

He can only pick from those who are available to him and it is not his job to determine who they are.

If Amone is available it is not Hooks issue his only concern should be to get the best team on the paddock and if Amone is in the mix then pick him.

The NRL has created a farcical situation that is grossly unfair and puts the onus on others rather than itself.

 

[Saints Forever]

No one including the NRL or our club know what Amone’s evidence will be.

Nevertheless their was sufficient evidence for Amone to be charged.

Under NRL rules the NRL was entitled to stand Amone down, and may maintain their stance.

If due to pressure from Amone’s lawyer, Amone is reinstated by the NRL, the club will be forced to make a decision.

In my view Amone should not automatically be selected in any grade. He should serve be penalised for his behaviour by the club.

Whether that means not making him available for selection until his matter is heard or for a specific number of games, that is a matter for the club.

The problem with attempting to enforce a no dickheads policy is that the majority of NRL players are dickheads.

 

[denis preston]

Can we move on to some nice juicy rumours, like getting the young Fifita guy ?

 

[Kolum Kid]

Can we move on to some nice juicy rumours, like getting the young Fifita guy ?

Agreed Denis. Sick of all the mess deck lawyer stuff

 

[epDragon62]

Any excuse hes given if not convicted.

I assume that you have not complained about the club's culture and don't care about the behaviour of players. If that's the case, you are entitled to that view.

I don't agree with you at all and I don't want anyone, let alone a Dragon, to get away with thinking they can retaliate in that manner.

 

[epDragon62]

No one including the NRL or our club know what Amone’s evidence will be.

Nevertheless their was sufficient evidence for Amone to be charged.

Under NRL rules the NRL was entitled to stand Amone down, and may maintain their stance.

If due to pressure from Amone’s lawyer, Amone is reinstated by the NRL, the club will be forced to make a decision.

In my view Amone should not automatically be selected in any grade. He should serve be penalised for his behaviour by the club.

Whether that means not making him available for selection until his matter is heard or for a specific number of games, that is a matter for the club.

The problem with attempting to enforce a no dickheads policy is that the majority of NRL players are dickheads.

True, but climbing a roof swinging a hammer at someone is in its own category of dickhead.

 

[Wolfgang90]

Can we move on to some nice juicy rumours, like getting the young Fifita guy ?

David?

 

[Dragon David]

I didn't expect to get it again but I have - the dreaded COVID. I have ordered the antiviral drug and this will help me.

The moral of the story is don't take things for granted and where a mask when out and about.