(The Guardian) Players’ association slams NRL’s sanction of Caitlin Moran
The Rugby League Players’ Association has slammed the NRL’s decision to sanction NRLW player Caitlin Moran for a social media post following the death of the Queen.
The Newcastle Knights player took down the post but the NRL announced a proposed sanction of a one-match suspension and a suspended fine equal to 25% of her salary.
In a statement, the RLPA say the fine issued to Moran is “far too severe” and that the NRL has a “worrying track record of inconsistent punishments”: The Rugby League Players’ Association acknowledges the breach notice the NRL have issued to NRLW player Caitlin Moran.
The RLPA believes a fine equivalent to 25% of Caitlin’s salary, although suspended, is far too severe. Caitlin’s proposed financial punishment is another example of the inconsistent and disproportionate penalties handed down to players.
Case by case, the NRL has a worrying track record of inconsistent punishments given to players. For integrity-related matters, the RLPA has continually advocated for transparency, but we are yet to see any framework that informs the NRL’s sanctions.
The lack of a clear and transparent framework puts players in an incredibly vulnerable position and leaves many within the game scratching their heads at administrative decision-making. Concerningly, the game wants to be transparent with the public by publicising breach notices, but the game does not want to be transparent with key industry stakeholders on what framework informs that decision making.
