Standard playing contracts: the Brett Stewart case

Abstract

Even before the first tackle had been made in National Rugby League (NRL)’s 2009 season the NRL was forced to take action against the reigning premiers, Manly-Warringah and one of its star players, Brett Stewart. This was in response to criminal charges for sexual assault being laid against Stewart following an incident that took place after the club’s pre-season launch. Stewart was suspended by the NRL for four matches on the grounds that he had brought the game into disrepute while Manly was fined $100 000 for what had occurred at the launch. Within a few weeks two other NRL players, Jake Friend and Brett Seymour, were also suspended by the NRL for alcohol related incidents. This paper will therefore examine the legal basis for the NRL suspending the players and whether the punishments handed out to Manly and the three players were fair.