The controversy concerning Paul Gallen's recent Twitter gaffe continues but the NRL also needs to address its disciplinary action against players.
It is difficult to accept a $50,000 fine against Gallen to be appropriate, fair or just.
NRL officials are seen to be the victim in this Tweet (perhaps toughen up guys!), the investigating police, the prosecutor, the judge, jury, the determiner and beneficiary of the sentence (a fine).
This does not reflect transparency in their judicial process.
It is time to have an independent judicial official — outside the NRL tent — to consider such offences.
The comment that the NRL spent about $80,000 assisting Gallen with his ASADA defence is a paltry excuse in attempting to justify the recent $50,000 fine.
With all their millions, the rugby league administration needs to spend a little in ensuring fans are not further disillusioned by player indiscretion nor by puerile reaction from officials.
Let's just get on with playing the game and let Paul Gallen and the Sharks concentrate on 2015.
Monsignor Brian Rayner, Gymea
Fair fine for role model
Re: Paul Gallen's fine.
I agree he copped the fine.
He is looked up to by children as a hero and role model.
Punching players in the face on the football field and using dirty words at officials shows his mentality.
If selected, he should be allowed to play rep football but not as captain.
Warren Marland, Allawah
