The NRL have stood down Dragons forward Jack de Belin after the governing body announced a major change to the game's disciplinary policy.
The Australian Rugby League Commission handed down new protocols for players accused of serious crimes.
Under the new policy, any player who is charged with an offence that carries a maximum prison term of 11 years or more will be automatically stood down.
NRL chief executive Todd Greenberg also has discretionary power to stand down players charged with offences involving the assault of women or children. Players will be allowed to continue to train with their teams and remain on full pay.
De Belin has pleaded not guilty to a charge of aggravated sexual assault in Wollongong court. The 27-year-old now faces time an extended period out of the game until his court case has concluded.
The 'no-fault' policy implemented by the ARLC differs from the previous policy, where players who pleaded not guilty to alleged offences were allowed to continue playing while their matter underwent the legal process.
Clubs will not automatically receive salary cap relief but can apply for it.
Greenberg met with de Belin at St George Leagues Club on Wednesday to outline the change in policy to the NSW representative forward.
"We think it's important that the club and the player have the opportunity for him to continue in the environment," Greenberg said.
"Again, it's a no fault stand down. This policy ensures that he doesn't play but he can be around the team and he can be at training during the week and also, importantly, take the services of that club via it's welfare and education program."
ARLC chairman Peter Beattie said player welfare was still important under the new system.
"I rang all the club chairs and 15 out of 16 were supportive of this provision," he said.
"But one of the things they did raise and that includes when we met with St George was player welfare. And they clearly see being able to train as a key part of player welfare."
De Belin missed St George Illawarra's opening trial against Newcastle last weekend with a virus. Dragons coach Paul McGregor initially indicated de Belin would be available for Saturday's Charity Shield clash with South Sydney but was then left out by the club for player welfare reasons.
Beattie said the commission were acting in the sport's best interests - now and into the future.
“The change has occurred after extensive consultation across the community and amongst stakeholders," he said.
“As chairman, my responsibility and the responsibility of my fellow commissioners, is to act in the best interests of the entire game and to take a leadership position when it comes to acts of violence against women in particular.
“What we have heard are community concerns about players facing serious criminal charges representing the game on the field and today the ARLC has acted on those concerns.
“The policy addresses charges which are of particular concern to the game and the broader community, including sexual violence and violence against women.
“That includes the present game and the future game.
“It also includes protecting and supporting the well-being of those entrusted to us as part of our game. That includes players and their families, clubs, sponsors and fans.
“Today, the commission has acted with those interests top of mind. And we are supported by Todd and his leadership team along with club chairs and CEOs.”
While the NRL have stood de Belin down under the new policy, Greenberg said a decision was yet to be made on Manly centre Dylan Walker who has pleaded not guilty to charges of assaulting his fiancee.
“I stress that the NRL is making no judgement on the guilt or innocence of the player,” Greenberg said.
“That is not our role. That is the job of the courts and it will remain so.
“But we have to be in a position to take action when allegations are so serious that it would damage the reputation of the game if that player was allowed to take the field.
“And that is what we have done in [de Belin's] case.
“We have to take a leadership position to protect our game. And that is what we will do with a change of policy in place."
Meanwhile, no announcement was made on the outcome of the salary cap probe into Cronulla.
Cronulla were expected to learn their fate for alleged salary cap cheating on Thursday with the NRL to hand down its findings after an Australian Rugby League Commission meeting.
The Sharks are prepared for more heavy sanctions after the NRL's probe reportedly uncovered more discrepancies than those self-reported by Cronulla to the integrity unit in June last year.
Cronulla's punishment is expected to include a significant fine as well as possible salary cap penalties.
A decision is expected to be made public on Friday.
