It’s about the women in these situations having a voice. It may sound corny, but this is rugby league’s #MeToo moment. And before you roll your eyes and criticise me for reporting these stories, I can tell you it’s no fun hearing the strain and anger in the voice of a family member as they tell you a tale that you would never want to happen to a woman in your life. Embattled: Jarryd Hayne leaves Burwood Local Court after his first appearance (committal) on an aggravated sexual assault charge. Credit:Jessica Hromas I’ve copped it on social media for daring to break stories about players who are idols to many: three of the game’s biggest names, Hayne, Jack De Belin and Dylan Walker, who is facing domestic violence charges. In the past, I have stuck my neck out the other way, including when Brett Stewart was falsely accused. I knew the source of that story was a scammer. The current cases all have to play out and the players deserve their day in court.

The usual finger pointers were out in force during the week blaming the NRL for the recent spate of allegations of violence against women. To be clear, anyone who is convicted of violence against women should be put out of the game. For a long time. But to say the game has a cultural problem or doesn’t do enough to educate players is ridiculous. Loading Two of those facing accusations, Hayne and Zane Musgrove, aren’t even registered to play in the NRL. That doesn’t excuse their actions. If they are found guilty of any type of violence against women they deserve everything they get. But it didn’t stop the NRL copping the blame for their actions this week. The truth is that anyone playing rugby league in 2018 receives more training and advice about treating women respectfully than just about anyone else in the workforce. The NRL’s program on respectful relationships is delivered to more than 4000 players and officials annually. Everyone from the under-16s up. If you want to play the game you will do the program. And those who have been found guilty of violence against women are only allowed back in the game after they have served a suspension and completed a more comprehensive program.

Loading There were calls this week for the NRL to impose life bans on some of those facing charges. There were also demands for them to be stood down immediately, before they even face court. I was one of those who opposed Matt Lodge being allowed back into the NRL with the Broncos. But he has thrown himself into his studies, sworn off alcohol and turned his life around. Would he have done that if he was outside the game? And this week we saw Walker leaving court arm in arm with his alleged victim. That demonstrates just how complex and sensitive these issues are.

How can the NRL impose a ban on a player if the courts clear him? If the NRL had listened to its critics, players such as Shaun Kenny-Dowall and Semi Radradra would have been stood down for months, before having their cases thrown out by the courts. You can imagine the outcry if that happened. The NRL has a policy of allowing the legal process to take its course. It cops a lot of flak while those cases are heard. But, as unpalatable as it may be, it’s the right course of action. Knights wary Pearce back to bad old habits The NRL had a glance at the actions of Mitchell Pearce at the wedding of Steve Roach’s son Liam in the southern highlands last week. They looked into claims of a scuffle on a wedding bus. It happened. Fine line: Questions are being asked about Mitchell Pearce's behaviour while drinking. Credit:AAP

Loading There was also talk that a room was damaged at the hotel Pearce was staying at. The NRL didn’t believe it was an issue it had to deal with. Knights insiders we have talked to are unimpressed. One said the club needs Pearce to be playing 12 months a year, so that he doesn’t have too much time on his hands. Pearce has had his issues on the drink in recent years, including the infamous Australia Day incident. I have been one of Pearce’s biggest supporters and I’d like to deliver a message on behalf of others who have his back: give the booze a miss. He is skating close to another drama.

Walker on thin ice Sponsors of the Sea Eagles are not too happy with the publicity flowing from the charges laid against Dylan Walker. They have been demanding answers. And there is a distinct feeling from the club they would be happy to see the back of him. Manly are of the view that his latest scandal will be difficult to get over. Some Sea Eagles insiders were secretly hoping the NRL would come down hard on Walker to make it possible for the club to dismiss him. Dragons got Jack The Dragons tried to get ahead of the game by asking former cop and club legend Craig Young to do some digging on the Jack De Belin case. We have been told he was given very little time by the police, who were busy forming their case.

Loading In the lead-up to De Belin being charged, one of his confidantes gave an insight into how he was feeling. The source said: ‘‘The process is killing him.’’ He was referencing the fact that the NSW State of Origin winner had to tell his pregnant girlfriend what was about to happen. De Belin knew what was coming: his and his partner’s Instagram accounts were shut down before the story became public. Penthouse sweet Who is bigger, Virat Kohli or Jon Bon Jovi? We have been told that there was a fame-off when it came to who got the penthouse suite at a hotel when their worlds collided in Adelaide. It turns out Kohli got the top digs.

When Bon Jovi hit Sydney there was a raft of NRL types at the concert, including one with an even better head of hair than the rock star: Des Hasler. He was there with his wife Christine. Ire of the Tiger Wests Tigers players are starting to understand the sadistic side of Michael Maguire: they see him smile when they throw up at pre-season training. The Tigers have an army camp this week, and they are worried about what they are in for. Mental toughness: Michael Maguire is bringing the pain at Wests Tigers. Credit:AAP

Knight moves Liam Knight, aka ‘‘The Nightrider’’, has bounced around between teams. Talent has never been an issue for the former Sea Eagle, Rooster and Raider. His latest stop will be at Souths. If anyone can get him focused and firing it will be supercoach Wayne Bennett. Enemy territory Speaking of Bennett, he is tipped to eventually settle in South Sydney territory – maybe in Little Bay – but right now he is still spending a couple of days a week in Brisbane as he relocates. Bennett has always liked Bondi and the coastal run. He was spotted in Coogee, which is borderline Roosters territory, enjoying a gelato during the week.