The National Rugby League will explore implementing suspensions for acts of racial abuse in the wake of Timana Tahu's stunning New South Wales Origin walkout over comments by Blues assistant coach Andrew Johns.
Tahu met with the Australian Rugby League Indigenous Council yesterday to express his concern over racial elements within the game.
The Indigenous Council supported his stance - taken when Tahu took exception to Johns' racist remarks at members of Queensland's State of Origin team - as they advocated a zero tolerance approach to racism.
Amongst the recommendations put forward following the meeting - which also had representatives from the NRL and ARL - was for the establishment of easier paths for players to make formal complaints as well as the possibility of harsher penalties for offenders.
Tahu says the establishment of harsh penalties for anyone found guilty of racial abuse will help combat racism.
