Jack De Belin has refused the NRL's offer to stand down as the Australian Rugby League Commission (ARLC) gets set to decide his immediate playing future.
After a five-and-a-half month period in which the game has been tarred by 17 off-field incidents or scandals, the game's governing body is expected to change its policy on player behaviour on Thursday.
De Belin and Dragons officials on Wednesday met with NRL chief executive Todd Greenberg, who attempted to convince him to stand down of his own accord while he answers a rape charge.
AAP understands de Belin told Greenberg that he would consider the offer.
However, the club has opted to wait for the outcome of the independent commission's meeting.
De Belin has pleaded not guilty to the aggravated sexual assault of a 19-year-old woman.
He was not considered for Saturday's Charity Shield against South Sydney because of welfare concerns.
The ARLC is expected to change its policy so it can stand down players while they answer serious criminal charges following concerns from sponsors and broadcasters.
It's a move opposed by the Rugby League Players Association (RLPA).
The change could open the door for banned players to sue the NRL and it's understood the RLPA would stand behind any of their clients who seek to take that course of action.
Over the last several months the NRL has been plagued by a torrent of negative stories, with Dylan Walker, Jarryd Hayne, Zane Musgrove and Liam Coleman also being charged with serious offences against women.
Ben Barba was also handed a life ban after an altercation with his partner at a Townsville casino.
In the 177 days since the final round of the 2018 regular season, there have been 17 scandals and off-field incidents - or one every 10 days.
South Sydney forward Sam Burgess didn't want to buy into the debate going on at Rugby League Central, but claimed player behaviour was better than at any time during his career.
"There's been some terrible coverage in the press but player behaviour is probably as good as it's been over the years," Burgess said at the Fox League launch.
"It's just more reported on, things catch fire a lot quicker."
Many within the game have called for change, including Australian coach and Titans head of performance Mal Meninga who says a firm line in the sand needs to be drawn.
"The club (Titans) is black and white on this. It's part of our DNA now. If you stuff up, we'll support you. But if it's serious enough, we've got to stand you down," Meninga said.
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