NORTH Queensland halfback Robert Lui has been banned from the NRL for the rest of 2012, but his career is not over with the Cowboys vowing to support him until a possible league return in 2013.
Lui pleaded guilty to assaulting his girlfriend Taleah Rae Backo following a Mad Monday drinking session with his former club Wests Tigers last year, but avoided a jail sentence in the courts and was handed a two-year good behaviour bond and $2000.
The Cowboys suspended Lui indefinitely when he pleaded guilty last month and have opted to help rehabilitate the 22-year-old rather than cut him completely.
The ARL Commission met in Sydney today where it was decided Lui would be banned from playing for the rest of the season.
Cronulla winger Isaac Gordon pleaded guilty to a lesser assault charge earlier this year and has been banned for nine NRL games. He will be available to return to action for the Sharks in round 10.
“The Cowboys and Sharks have joined the ARLC in making a clear statement about the need to prevent violence against women,†ARL Commission Chief Executive David Gallop said in a statement.
“With regard to Robert Lui, he has been suspended since the day of his guilty verdict and there has been a need since then to consider the welfare of Robert’s partner Tahleah, his son, and Robert’s own ongoing welfare in what is a difficult family circumstance.
“The Cowboys are not taking that responsibility lightly and it has been important to give the club and the family time to fully comprehend the circumstance of the judgment and the most effective ways to move forward before confirming a penalty.
“At the same time there is a need to send a strong message to the community and, as the first sport to make such an emphatic statement, we would encourage others to follow Rugby League’s lead in the future.â€
North Queensland chief executive Peter Jourdain said the club would standby Lui and help counsel him and his family.
“It is important to remember that we are dealing with real lives and our first priority from the moment we stood Robert down from playing has been the ongoing welfare of Tahleah, his son, as well as Robert,†Jourdain said.
“We ensured Robert did not play while those matters were professionally assessed and the club will continue to provide ongoing counselling for Robert and support for his partner and son, who remain very much together as a family.â€*