Rugby League heavyweight Mal Meninga has strongly endorsed the NRL's initiative to suspend Manly star Brett Stewart for four weeks over Stewart's 'unacceptable' conduct at the club's season launch last week.
The New South Wales State of Origin full-back has been charged with sexually assaulting a 17-year-old girl in the aftermath of the function.
The NRL has also fined Manly $100,000 for failing to manage the consumption of alcohol by its players.
Speaking at a promotional launch in Melbourne for the opening match in the State of Origin Series to be played at Etihad Stadium in June, Meninga said the events of the past week had been 'disappointing' for the code.
But the Queensland Origin coach said he believed the NRL had acted strongly and decisively in suspending Stewart, who had been selected to play for the Sea Eagles in their Round 1 clash despite the sexual assault charges hanging over his head.
"I think it's important that the game should be governed by strong leadership and if that's their decision, then I stand behind it," said Meninga.
"That's a good sign that we're showing some strong leadership in regards to our game."
"Taking it out of the Manly club's hands I think is a great idea."
"It's very difficult because they're so close to the player and the player is a very important commodity in their football side."
"For the National Rugby League to stand above it and to make some tough decisions is a good sign."
Meninga's NSW Origin counterpart, Craig Bellamy, was not as forthcoming, preferring to sidestep the issue rather than tackle it head on.
"At the end of the day, it's up to Manly and the NRL on what they do in this situation," Bellamy said.
"They've made their decision so everyone's got to go with it."
Asked whether he would be prepared to select Stewart if he was available for origin selection, Bellamy said: "If Brett's playing, and he's playing well, I imagine he'll come up for selection".
"That's only my opinion and the selectors would have to have a say in that and also the NSW Rugby League."
"But again, this decision's been made now and that's what's going to happen and ... I don't think there's any need to go thinking about things that might happen."
"This has happened and you just get on with it."
Melbourne Storm CEO Brian Waldron said be believes trust and education is a better alternative to imposing an alcohol ban at NRL clubs.
"Our policy is very simple - you act in a socially responsible manner and if you choose not to, there quite often are consequences," Waldron said.
"We'll deal with those consequences on an ongoing basis."
"I don't believe (dinking culture) is a culture that exists in the Melbourne Storm and I would be very disappointed if anyone thought it was a culture that exists in our game."