A ruling by the Canberra Region Rugby League’s Disciplinary Committee earlier this month could prove to be a watershed moment for the code.
A spectator received a five-and-a-half-year ban by the Committee after being found guilty of homophobic abuse of a touch judge during a Canberra Raiders Cup game between Yass and West Belconnen in Yass on 28 May.
This means the spectator can’t have any involvement in rugby league in any form, including training, playing or attending games, until the...