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Sport
By national sport editor David Mark

Peter Beattie says Mark Coyne deserves 'natural justice'

Australian Rugby League Commission (ARLC) chairman Peter Beattie is calling for advice on the case of disgraced and stood-down commissioner Mark Coyne, saying he wants to give him "natural justice".

The former Queensland State of Origin star faced court in Singapore last week, charged with verbally abusing a police officer with an expletive-laden tirade on a drunken night out on June 2.

He pleaded guilty and was fined $4,000.

Coyne has since returned to Australia, but his future with the ARLC is uncertain.

Beattie today wrote to state and club chairs saying he wants Coyne to present to the commission in person on August 1.

"We must not only do the right thing but be seen to do the right thing," Beattie wrote.

Beattie said he would meet with Coyne next Monday — three days before the commission meeting.

"I am sure rugby league fans would agree that if their future was being discussed they would expect a face-to-face meeting," Beattie wrote.

Beattie said Coyne was preparing a factual paper and wanted to hear the views of club and state chairs before the commission meeting.

A contrite Coyne has said he would resign if that was what the commission wanted.

He has been criticised for failing to inform Beattie of his situation for almost seven weeks following his arrest and while he remained in Singapore with his passport confiscated.

Rugby league players and officials are required to self report if they do anything that could bring the game into disrepute.

Coyne played more than 200 games for St George, Queensland and Australia before beginning a successful business career.

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