The embarrassing fallout from the NRL's decision to heavily fine Paul Gallen has deepened, with judiciary chairman Paul Conlon resigning and NSWRL chairman George Peponis issued with a "please explain" for supporting the Blues captain.
Conlon told NRL chief executive Dave Smith and judiciary members of his resignation on Wednesday following the hasty call to fine Gallen $50,000 for his drunken Twitter post last week in which he made reference to "any other c*** at the NRL."
Conlon's sudden departure isn't just a massive blow for the game, but also comes ahead of a fiery showdown between the NSWRL and the ARL Commission on Thursday.
The NSWRL is under pressure from head office to sack Gallen as NSW captain. Gallen has already been stood down from Kangaroos matches next year.
Peponis, who is considered one of the most respected figures in the code, has been summoned to explain relatively sedate comments he made last week in support of Gallen, but not his Twitter post.
"At this stage it's a matter between Paul Gallen, the NRL and the Sharks," Peponis said. "Poor old Gal has been to hell and back in the last 12 months. It's inappropriate what he said [but] he feels like he didn't get a lot of support. I actually feel sorry for the bloke."
For some reason, ARL Commission chairman John Grant has asked Peponis to explain those remarks.
Peponis sent a missive back over the week. In a letter to Grant, which has been obtained by Fairfax Media, the Bulldogs and Kangaroos legend says he will "not be drawn into an argument that has nothing to do with us at present".
"The issue of the captaincy of NSW is not something which we would or should be discussing until next year and certainly not now in the context of this matter. If this matter remains unresolved at that time, the Board would take it into consideration."
Smith and the NRL have been under enormous pressure since deciding to heavily fine Gallen for his Twitter rant, which was first exposed by Fairfax Media, following the sacking of Sharks chief executive Steve Noyce.
"Noice (sic) actually cared about players from cronulla's feelings. Couldn't say that about any other c*** from Nrl," Gallen posted while on holidays in Hawaii.
Gallen said earlier this week he intended to fight the $50,000 fine and the ban on him playing for Australia next year unless he sits a leadership course. It is only the second time a player has been fined that amount in rugby league history.
"It's unbelievable - I've got to fight it," Gallen said. "The last time I didn't fight something (the ASADA ban) I regretted it; I will this time. "How can they justify it? Blokes get fined $10,000 for assault. Others have been arrested and not been fined anything."
Comment was being sought from the NRL.
