Several club CEOs believe that the National Rugby League and clubs "should consider supplying players with bodyguards to keep them out of off-field trouble," according to Michael Chammas of the SYDNEY MORNING HERALD. Manly CEO David Perry believes that "security measures should be considered." Perry: ''I think the NRL should look at all options. I think there needs to be a total review of it and whether they invest in additional security or give additional resources to clubs to [stop] those situations occurring." South Sydney "are already using bodyguards." However, Rabbitohs CEO Shane Richardson does not believe that "the players need minders every time they are out." He insists that "problems only occur when individuals leave the group." Richardson: "We use security guards occasionally when they are out as a group but the problems don't occur when they are out together, it's when individuals split from the group." Bulldogs CEO and future NRL Head of Football Todd Greenberg said that "bodyguards were not the answer." Greenberg: ''No, I don't think that really addresses the issue, to be honest. I think it's personal accountability" (SMH, 6/20).
HERE TO STAY: The AAP reported NRL CEO Dave Smith said that "the code's hardline stance against misbehaving players was here to stay." Smith said that players "will need to quickly get the message, because the penalties would not be disappearing." Smith said, "The bad behaviors that we've seen, they're not acceptable to the fans. They're not acceptable to the players. And frankly they're not acceptable to us. They won't be tolerated. I think you've seen strong action from us, strong consistent action" (AAP, 6/19).
