While incidents relating to anti-doping and drug testing issues remain outside his remit, Bellew, who relieves CEO Andrew Abdo and the NRL executive of sanctioning decisions, will be required to adjudicate on the Iongi matter.
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Bellew will be required to consider if thereโs been a breach of NRL rules, and whether the matter has brought the game into disrepute.
Iongi, 22, was one of the Eelsโ stars following their final trial match, Saturday nightโs 28-22 comeback victory over the Roosters in Gosford. It was the first time Iongi had played with a new-look spine that included Mitchell Moses, Ryley Smith and new recruit Jonah Pezet.
Speaking after the match, Iongi said he felt his game was developing after a full season in the NRL.
โI think itโs good, obviously Iโve still got a lot to work on,โ Iongi said at the time. โI think I can work on those things throughout the week, especially my defence and where I can position myself. So Iโll look to work on that.โ
The former Maroons under-19s representative felt he was becoming more comfortable in the top grade after a breakout season.
โI think just experience and time [with] the players, getting those connections built in, knowing how every player plays their game [is beneficial],โ Iongi said.
โI think Iโm improving and Iโve still got lots to work on โฆ I can preserve my energy and [itโs about] knowing when to put myself into places that I need to be put in, like supports and at the back end.
โIโm learning to do that.โ
Meanwhile, the outcome of a Supreme Court case that will determine whether Zac Lomax should be allowed to sign with Melbourne has been pushed back again, after the Eels earned the right to cross-examine Storm chairman Matt Tripp in person.
Tripp had only just left for the United States to conduct business and watch the NRLโs opening round in Las Vegas, hoping he could provide his testimony via video link. The Eels claimed this would put them at a disadvantage, and revealed that two of their officials had cancelled trips to Vegas in order to provide evidence in person.
Storm chairman Matt Tripp.Credit: Oscar Colman
Justice Franรงois Kunc ultimately ruled that Tripp would be required to provide evidence on March 13, two days after returning to Australia. Given that closing submissions are expected to be made on March 17 โ on the same day teams are named for Melbourneโs clash with Brisbane โ a final determination is unlikely to happen in time for Lomax to be considered for that game, should the court rule in his favour.
โMr Tripp is not only a witness in this case, he is a central player in respect of this saga,โ said the barrister acting for Parramatta, Arthur Moses.
โHe is the one who of course who made the initial contact with Parramatta in respect of Mr Lomax going across to the Storm.โ
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โHe is the one who has given comfort to Mr Lomax by having the Melbourne Storm not only reach an agreement with him in respect of him playing for the Storm subject to contractual terms, but also indemnifying him in respect of the restraint that is now being said is invalid weeks after he and his lawyers not only assisted in the drafting of it, but agreed to its terms.
โHe is a strategist behind the matter. He is not a witness โ we say he is an actor in respect to this. He has a big part โฆ
โMr Tripp looms large in respect of the matter. His credibility is at issue in respect to the proceedings.โ
