NRL players facing lifetime bans for abusing women under strict new rules
NRL players could be banned for life under strict new rules cracking down on bad behaviour towards women.
High profile cases of domestic violence and sexual assault have forced the move, with the new punishment aimed at changing the culture of the game.
Jaya Taki has experienced death threats, bullying and backlashes but she doesn't regret speaking out against her former rugby league boyfriend Tim Simona for making her feel forced into having an abortion.
"My inbox was just inundated with women saying you know, ‘I know what you're going through, I went through something similar,’” Ms Taki told 7 News.
The former girlfriend of West Tigers star Simona revealed her story hoping the NRL would take action.
The code announced Sunday it would no longer sit on the sidelines.
"Today is a great day for us… everything we've been through will not be swept under the rug,” Ms Taki said.
Under the new guidelines, players would be banned if they have committed acts of domestic violence, sex offences or showing disrespect toward women.
Bans would range from nine months to life, while “hush money" would be outlawed.
These types of incidents have not only damaged the reputation of the game, but have done irreparable harm to the women involved, the NRL said.
“I think it’s a great step forward, I certainly support if the NRL are going to look at it,” NRL commentator and former player Brett Kimmorley told 7 News.
The NRL is hopeful that by implementing these new rules, this sort of behaviour will be stamped out.
Newsbreak - July 16
