Dragons star Talatau Amone cleared to play by NRL despite police charges
St George Illawarra five-eighth Talatau Amone has been cleared to play by the NRL despite several police charges hanging over the 20-year-old’s head.
St George Illawarra five-eighth Talatau Amone has been cleared to play by the NRL.
The Dragons were informed on a Tuesday afternoon – only hours before they were due to name their side to play Gold Coast on Sunday – that Amone was free to take his place in the club’s season opener.
Amone was automatically stood down under the game’s no fault stand down rule after being charged with a myriad of offences in the pre-season.
However, his matter was moved to the local court and the potential sentence was reduced, meaning the automatic no fault stand down rule no longer applied.
NRL chief executive Andrew Abdo could have applied his discretionary powers but instead cleared Amone to play pending the outcome of his court hearing.
The NRL confirmed the decision on Tuesday afternoon.
“The National Rugby League has today (Tuesday) confirmed that the No-Fault Stand Down Condition will no longer apply to St George Illawarra Dragons player Talatau Junior Amone, effective immediately,” the statement read.
“Mr Amone is now eligible to be selected to participate as a player in the NRL competition.”
Amone was the favourite to start the season in the No.6 jersey for the Dragons before being stood down.
He is now expected to make his return in NSW Cup – Jayden Sullivan is expected to be named as Ben Hunt’s halves partner for the club’s season opener.
The Dragons had the bye in round one.
Originally published as NRL 2023: Dragons star Talatau Amone cleared to play in Round 2 despite ongoing court matter
