The NSWRL can release the following statement on eligibility for awards at the Brad Fittler Medal night:
"Earlier this week we asked the NRL for guidance on the terms of Paul Gallen's suspension," NSWRL chief executive David Trodden said. "We did so as we did not wish to do something which was inconsistent with the NRL's philosophy and put Paul in a difficult position as a consequence.
"The NRL has come to a determination that Paul should be ineligible for awards that they control. In order to be consistent, our board feels that we should come to a similar view.
"After a board meeting this morning, it was decided that Paul would not be eligible for awards at the Brad Fittler Medal night on September 10.
“Paul has been a wonderful servant for NSW. He is going through a difficult period at the moment during which he has our support. He has been subjected to an enormous amount of scrutiny in recent times and we do not wish to add to that.
"I have spoken with Paul about the decision and he is understandably disappointed. We are also disappointed to be placed in this position, but we understand the stance which the NRL has taken on the issue.”
