Former star defence counsel Geoff Bellew will call on his vast experience in a different role as the new NRL judiciary chairman.
During his time as the game's leading defender, Bellew represented some of the rugby league's biggest names including Wally Lewis, Johnathan Thurston, Jarryd Hayne, Billy Slater, Andrew Johns, Paul Harragon and Gorden Tallis - enjoying a success rate of 75 per cent.
He stepped down from the role in 2011, after he became a Supreme Court judge, but he will return to rugby league's judicial process this season in place of long-serving Paul Conlon.
Conlon quit his post in October in protest at the $50,000 fine handed out by the NRL to Paul Gallen for swearing on social media.
The fine was later reduced to $35,000 on appeal.
Bellew had previously been linked to a return to the code as a member of the independent ARL Commission.
"There could be no one more qualified and suitable for the role of judiciary chairman," said NRL head of football Todd Greenberg.
"Justice Bellew has a unique set of skills and experience.
"He understands the rules and judiciary code of procedure intimately and has a great affection for rugby league."
Bellew unsuccessfully defended Cameron Smith on a grapple tackle charge in his bid to play in the 2008 grand final against Manly.
But during his time as a defence counsel he earned a deserved reputation as the "go-to" man for players who had fallen foul of the rugby league judiciary.
One of his last high-profile defences before becoming a Supreme Court judge was for then-Melbourne forward Adam Blair following the infamous Battle of Brookvale in August 2011, which featured Blair and Manly's Stewart brothers Glenn and Brett.
Blair was expected to be outed for 10 matches for contrary conduct, but Bellew managed to whittle it down to five games.
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