NSW Sports Federation Congratulates Sharks

The NSW Sports Federation Inc wishes to publicly compliment the Cronulla Sharks NRL team on the handling of the recent widely publicised incident involving player Tevita Latu, who allegedly punched a woman in the face outside a service station in Cronulla earlier this week.

It was noted that the Sharks took prompt and decisive action against a contracted international first grade player. The Federation?s Chief Executive Officer, Greg McCallum said today, ?This sends a clear and strong message to all sporting organisations and their participants that anti-social behaviour should never be tolerated.

?I commend the positive action taken by Cronulla Sharks? CEO, Greg Pierce and the Board of Directors in what can be a difficult decision considering Latu?s standing within the team,? McCallum added.

?The inappropriate treatment of women in sport and the broader society can never and should never be condoned. I applaud the Sharks for the strength of their decision and commitment to stamping out this behaviour from their players.?

The NRL has supported Cronulla Sharks? decision to terminate Latu?s contract by deregistering him. ?I commend the NRL management for supporting the decision,? McCallum added.

?Given the information that we have from Cronulla, it would be hard to imagine a time when we would accept a future registration from the player,? NRL Chief Executive David Gallop said earlier this week.

?Rugby League has been at the forefront of campaigns condemning violence against women and that makes these circumstances all the more alarming,? Gallop said.

The NSW Sport Federation represents over 2.2 million people involved in sport in NSW. Through its many partnerships, the Federation respects the appropriate treatment of girls and women in sport and acknowledges the positive work that the NRL has done in the area.