NRL Chief Executive Todd Greenberg insists the game’s new “no-fault stand-down” policy doesn’t take away the presumption of innocence.

Players charged with crimes that carry a maximum sentence of 11 or more years will automatically be stood down until the case is resolved.

BREAKING: ARL commission announces “no fault” stand down for players charged with a crime with max penalty of 11yrs and up – will still be paid and train with team. Clubs can apply for salary cap relief. Rule begins at the start of the season @2GB873 pic.twitter.com/tV3wkcy11g

— Helene Lambetsos (@helenelambetsos) February 28, 2019

St George-Illawarra and NSW Origin player Jack de Belin is the first player to be stood down under the policy, after being charged with aggravated sexual assault.

The 27-year-old has pleaded not guilty and insists he is innocent.

Mr Greenberg tells Alan Jones “the game is much bigger than any individual player” and needs to be protected.

“That doesn’t provide any assessment of his guilt or not.

“But it is a very serious charge and our view is that the game can’t withstand that level of pressure during that period of time.”

Click PLAY below to hear the full interview