NRL boss Andrew Abdo has launched a staunch defence of the game's judiciary system, backing its panellists and the controversial weighting system.
Just days after South Sydney came out swinging in their frustration at Latrell Mitchell's four-match ban, Abdo responded by defending the league's process.
Mitchell could have escaped with a two-game ban for dangerous contact on David Nofoaluma but instead had 40 per cent loaded adding for two prior offences.
He also gave away the 25 per cent discount on offer for accepting an early guilty plea, failing in his bid to have the charge downgraded at the judiciary.
The Rabbitohs have since pushed for a judiciary overhaul, including a proposal from leading lawyer Nick Ghabar that the maximum loading should be 25 per cent.
But Abdo said while the judiciary process would always be open to review, the punishment of players for repeated offences was the right stance for the game.
"Just as the court system issues harsher penalties to citizens with prior offences, our judiciary system also issues harsher penalties to players with prior offences and carry over points," Abdo said.
"This acts as a deterrent to foul play which assists in keeping players safe.
"It also recognises and incentivises those Players who maintain an otherwise clean record of play.
"The NRL judiciary system, as is the case with all processes and systems within the game, will be reviewed during the year.
"As always, the review will be considered by the Australian Rugby League Commission who will determine what changes may be required taking into account all views."
Under the NRL's system, similar offences within the past two years result in the past two years result in 50 per cent loading on the base demerit points handed down.
A 20 per cent loading is applied for each non-similar offence in that time, although grade-one incidents drop off after one year.
Canterbury prop Jack Hetherington therefore had 120 per cent of loading applied when he was suspended last week for five games for a high tackle.
Each 100 demerit points equate to one game being missed, with five points dropping off each week for carryovers.
Abdo also defended the panel itself, which each week includes three players picked from a pool of five while Supreme Court Justice Geoff Bellew acts as chairman to advise on any legal matters.
"(The five panellists) have played almost 1000 premiership games collectively and won grand finals, State of Origin series and Test matches," Abdo said.
"Their knowledge and understanding of rugby league is unquestionable.
"The judiciary panel are independent of the NRL or any club.
"Our panellists are meticulous in their consideration of evidence and unquestionably independent in the way they deliberate."
