Incoming NRL commission chairman John Grant has backed chief executive David Gallop's handling of the tense post-grand final exchanges with Manly's Stewart brothers.
Gallop and both Glenn and Brett Stewart took part in prolonged discussions as they shook hands during the presentation ceremony after Manly's 24-12 grand final win at the Olympic stadium on Sunday.
It was their first meeting with Gallop since Brett Stewart was slapped with a four-match ban at the start of the 2009 season for drunken behaviour at the club's season launch.
While none of the involved parties have revealed what was said, there is speculation Brett Stewart demanded an apology from Gallop for what he believed was unjust punishment.
It was the start of a horror two-year period in which Brett Stewart was forced to defend a sexual assault charge while a serious knee injury also threatened his playing future.
While he was reluctant to enter into the debate, Grant backed Gallop's actions.
"The commission fully supports the dignified manner in which NRL CEO David Gallop conducted himself during the grand final day presentation and in the days that have followed," Grant said.
"There are clearly appropriate and inappropriate times to raise issues of conflict, just as there is a responsibility on club administrators to provide leadership to their personnel.
"The commission is yet to assume stewardship of the game, but it will continue to ensure players and clubs recognise the importance of protecting the image of rugby league."
Speaking after the grand final, Glenn Stewart suggested that he and his brother were ready to move on from the feud.
"It's very special, probably the final chapter and everything's back to where it was and moving on and normal life's good and footy's going well so I can't complain," he said on Sunday night.
Grant says he will not make any further comment on the matter, leaving open the question of whether the two parties will be brought together for conciliatory discussions ahead of next season.
AAP
Tags: nrl, rugby-league, sport, australia First posted October 04, 2011 19:41:54
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