Kirisome Auva’a solid in comeback for North Sydney Bears in NSW Cup

SUSPENDED South Sydney centre Kirisome Auva’a took his first tentative steps on the road back to the NRL in the NSW Cup with the North Sydney Bears.

South Sydney centre Kirisome Auva'a has been cleared to return to playing in the NSW Cup with the North Sydney Bears.

SUSPENDED South Sydney centre Kirisome Auva’a took his first tentative steps on the road back to the NRL in the NSW Cup with the North Sydney Bears yesterday.

Auva’a scored a try and had a hand in a couple of others as the Mounties staged a late comeback to finish with a 34-34 draw at North Sydney Oval.

But Auva’a — the grand final-winning centre that has been suspended for pleading guilty to domestic violence charges since November last year — will remain deregistered by the NRL until August 13.

South Sydney coach Michael Maguire and NRL players including Dylan Walker, Jason Clark and Tom Burgess watched on as Auva’a submitted a decent display.

“I thought he was solid, he set up a few tries and scored one, so it was good for him to get that game under his belt,” Maguire said.

Kirisome Auva'a in NSW Cup action for North Sydney Bears.

“He can now continue to get some more games and then he’ll be available for selection based on performance for the round 23 game.

“All of our staff have worked hard to make sure Kirisome is getting his life right on and off the field and I’m pleased to see he gets an opportunity to play a game.”

The match was his first since Souths were crowned NRL premiers last October.

Auva’a, who pleaded guilty to recklessly causing injury to his ex-girlfriend in an incident in Melbourne in January 2014, had been suspended by the NRL since last November.

Over the course of the past seven months, Auva’a has completed a number of courses including an indigenous mentoring program, counselling with Rape and Domestic Violence Services Australia and taken part in a charity bike ride from Sydney to Wollongong.

Auva’a is expected to be cleared to return to the NRL against North Queensland at 1300 Smiles Stadium for the Thursday Night Football round 23 clash on August 13.

Souths coach Michael Maguire watched Kirisome Auva’a at North Sydney Oval.