STATEMENT: Advice from Legal Counsel

The Gold Coast Titans Board has today received legal advice from Senior Counsel in relation to the five (5) Titans players currently stood down from playing and training duties (i.e. Greg Bird, Dave Taylor, Beau Falloon, Kalifa Faifai Loa & Jamie Dowling).

The Board decided last week to seek the highest level independent legal advice available to ensure all possible options were properly considered before making a decision on the immediate playing future of the charged players.

To this end, the Board engaged the services of eminent Sydney silk, Tony Bannon SC, who has now confirmed he has considered all relevant information available including police reports, individual player contracts, the NRL Rules and code of conduct. Mr Bannon has also ensured all relevant legal obligations binding the club and its employees (i.e. the players) have been properly and legally evaluated.

In his comprehensive formal advice Mr Bannon concludes that given the circumstances and alternatives the better course is for the club to "stay its hand on disciplinary action until the criminal proceedings have been determined". On the basis of this advice the Board has resolved to allow the charged players to return to playing and training duties pending the outcome of the legal process.

In accepting the legal advice in relation to the specific circumstances of these charges, the Board reaffirms its determination to continue to take strong action as and when required to protect and enhance the reputation of the Gold Coast Titans in the eyes of the community and the sporting world generally.

Should any of the current allegations ultimately be proven in the courts, in assessing any subsequent disciplinary action the Board will be mindful of the serious reputational and financial damage the club has already suffered.