The NRL has announced it will form a committee to develop guidelines on recommended penalties for rugby league players who misbehave off the field.

The committee will comprise of NRL and Rugby League Players Association delegates as well as club chief executives Stephen Noyce (Sydney Roosters), Todd Greenberg (Bulldogs), Shane Richardson (South Sydney) and Bruno Cullen (Brisbane).

The NRL said in a statement on Sunday the aim of the guidelines would be to give clubs and players more clarity about the sort of penalties they should consider for off-field misbehaviour.

"The NRL remains committed to the view that clubs should be the primary point for player discipline with the NRL further acting only in those cases where it believes the action was insufficient," the statement said.

"... The NRL also hopes the process will assist clubs and players in understanding when the NRL is likely and unlikely to intervene."

The 2009 season has already been marred by off-field, alcohol-related incidents with Manly fullback Brett Stewart charged with sexual assault and suspended for four matches by the NRL for being intoxicated at the Sea Eagles' season launch.

Cronulla's Brett Seymour and Sydney Roosters' Jake Friend were also fined and suspended for drunken behaviour last week.

There have been calls to set up a separate judiciary or panel to rule on off-field incidents but the NRL ruled it out on Sunday, saying it would not be practical.

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