The NRL today issued a statement in response to Fox League's apology.
A spokesman said criticism of the NRL's independent judiciary process and of its Judiciary Counsel, Anthony Lo Surdo SC, on the NRL 360 program was unfair and unwarranted.
Unwarranted criticism of the Judiciary undermines the integrity of the process and those who appear before it. The role of the Judiciary Counsel is to act independently, impartially and fairly without fear or favour, affection or ill-will. We will continue to engage the best legal minds in the Country to ensure the integrity and independence of the Judiciary process.
Mr Lo Surdo is a Senior Counsel at the NSW Bar. He enjoys an exemplary reputation across the country as a commercial silk and as an advanced mediator and independent arbitrator.
He is experienced appearing before the NRL Judiciary and has worked in sports arbitration at the highest levels, including internationally as an Arbitrator of the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
"Mr Lo Surdo is a highly qualified and skilled legal representative in sports law who was ideally suited for the NRL judiciary process," the spokesman said.