The other point I will make is that the NRL judiciary system is still a guilty until proven innocent system.
- Will more players be charged with grade 1 offences as the NRL knows they will pay the fine so they don't miss a game?
- Does this mean you can contest your $1500 fine? Do you get a bigger one if you lose at the tribunal?
- Will your fees (lawyers, etc..) to defend against your grade 1 exceed the $1500 fine meaning you basically you have no choice but to pay the fine as its the best alternative. Which means if you get a fine you have no choice but to pay it.
Finally if the fines are worn by the players themselves, then the severity of penalty is no longer equal.
Thurston, DCE, GI, etc... probably won't feel the $1500 but someone on a base 80K is going to feel it.
If DCE is on a $1M a fine is only 0.15% of his salary.
But a player on 80K is 1.875% of thier gross salary.
Suppose its incentive to not commit offences.