Melbourne’s off-field dramas ahead of Sunday’s NRL grand final continued on Tuesday as members of the league’s judiciary panel decided to begin legal action against Storm coach Craig Bellamy and chief executive Brian Waldron.
The court action comes in the wake of the Melbourne pair appearing to question the panel’s integrity over the suspension of captain Cameron Smith for a grapple tackle.
NRL boss David Gallop met with judiciary chairman Greg Woods and other members of the panel on Tuesday.
“They are not satisfied with the state of play and have indicated they wish to commence legal action against Craig Bellamy and Brian Waldron,” Gallop said in a statement.
“The NRL has made its position clear by imposing a record fine but the individuals feel they have no alternative but to commence action.”
The league slapped the Storm with a $50,000 fine after Bellamy appeared to suggest that bookmakers had received information about the likelihood of Smith being suspended.
Judiciary panel member Darrell Williams threatened legal action if no apology was forthcoming – the former Manly centre claiming his reputation had been tarnished by Bellamy’s comments.
But yesterday Bellamy said he had no regrets over his comments and refused to apologise for them.
