Australian Rugby League's chief executive David Gallop believes the decision to ban the North Queensland halfback Robert Lui for the 2012 NRL season will have sent a clear message that the ARL won't tolerate domestic violence.
22 year old Lui's playing future is in doubt after he pleaded guilty last month to assaulting his partner last September following celebrations when he was playing for the Wests Tigers.
He was subsequently suspended then released by the Tigers before being picked up by North Queensland.
The Cronulla winger Isaac Gordon was also banned for nine matches in relation to another domestic violence matter late last year.
David Gallop said it had taken time to announce the penalties because of the sensitive process that they needed to go through.
Australian league has come under pressure to take a strong stance following a petition launched last week calling for an automatic one year ban for offenders, which has already attracted more than 20,000 signatures.
