NRL 2023: Dragons star Talatau Amone cleared to play in Round 2 despite ongoing court matter

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.

He was charged for an alleged hammer attack last November.

The case was going to be initially heard in the district court where he could have been jailed for up to 14 years – well within the scope of the NRL’s mandatory stand-down rule.

However, his matter was moved to the local court and the potential sentence is significantly reduced to a maximum of two years, meaning the automatic no fault stand down rule no longer applied. His legal team petitioned the NRL last week.

Talatau Amone leaving Wollongong Local Court. Picture: Dylan Arvela

Amone is eligible to play this week. Picture: Mark Metcalfe/Getty

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.

“Amone is now eligible to be selected to participate as a player in the NRL competition.”

His matter was mentioned last week and will return to court on March 15.

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 has been named as Ben Hunt’s halves partner for the club’s season opener against the Titans on Sunday.

Moses Mbye will start at hooker with Jacob Liddle starting from the bench. Former Kangaroos prop Aaron Woods has been overlooked for selection.

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