Curtis Scott NRL: Canberra Raider can play round 1 despite police charges

As the NRL handed down their decision on whether Curtis Scott will be allowed to play in Canberra’s season opener, Raiders coach Ricky Stuart has hailed the way his player reacted to “a difficult ride”.

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Ricky Stuart has praised Curtis Scott for how Canberra’s new recruit has handled himself away from the spotlight as he fights charges relating to his Australia Day arrest.

It comes as Scott’s lawyer also vowed to try and come to a resolution with NSW Police after NRL chief executive Todd Greenberg on Wednesday gave Scott the green light to play in the Raiders’ opening clash against Gold Coast next Friday.

While Scott has already conceded that he put himself in a bad situation while on a drunken weekend in Sydney, he has also pleaded not guilty to all six charges that included allegations he punched and kicked at an officer.

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Canberra Raiders recruit Curtis Scott has not been stood down under the NRL’s no-fault policy. Picture: Canberra Raiders

Scott’s case is not due back in court until March 20, a week after the opening round.

But after a meeting with Scott’s lawyer Sam Macedone on Monday, where Greenberg viewed all available footage of the arrest, Greenberg has determined not to sanction Scott immediately as part of the NRL’s no fault stand down policy.

Stuart said after more than five weeks dealing with legal dramas and distractions away from training, Scott’s character had been exposed.

“Look, it has been a difficult ride for him but he has handled his preparation and training very professionally,” Stuart said.

“He would certainly be a lot more relaxed today knowing he is available to play in round one.”

Scott with fellow Canberra players helping out in the bushfire-affected town of Mogo on the NSW south coast earlier this month. Picture: Canberra Raiders

The NRL said in a statement that the decision should in not be interpreted as a view on Scott’s innocence or guilt.

“Two players, one facing a maximum sentence of life imprisonment and the other facing a maximum sentence of 25 years imprisonment, are currently subject to an automatic No-Fault Stand Down,” the statement read.

“Scott’s charges carry a maximum five years imprisonment and do not qualify for an automatic No-Fault Stand Down. Having considered the charges against Scott, the NRL has determined that he should not be prevented from playing whilst he responds to them.

“The NRL regards the charges as extremely serious and the Raiders have been advised Scott will face a significant penalty if found guilty of the charges.

Macedone had said all along that he was confident his client would be free to play if common sense was applied.

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Scott after appearing in court in January. Picture: AAP

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“I am very happy with (the decision),” Macedone said.

“They (the NRL) have made it quite clear that it has got nothing to do with whether he is guilty or innocent of the police charges. They will run their own race.

“If he is found guilty of those they will come to another conclusion I am sure but I am pretty sure I can make sure there is no result like that.”

And Macedone said next step would be to try and set up a meeting with the police to see if resolution can be reached before the next court date.

“I am in negotiations with them in an endeavour to hopefully have the matter resolved by the 20th of March,” Macedone said.

“I have put something to them. I am just waiting on them to consider it and get back to me.

“I am sure we will have further discussions. I am all for trying to get the matter resolved.”

Originally published as Curtis Scott NRL: Canberra Raider can play round 1 despite police charges