St George Illawarra Dragons player Talatau Amone’s NRL career in limbo after contract deregistered

Talatau Amone is set for a long stint on the sidelines after opting not to appeal the NRL’s move to deregister his contract. See what it means for the rising former Dragons prodigy.

Talatau Amone’s NRL future is in limbo. Picture: Brendan Radke

Talatau Amone’s rugby league career is in limbo after the former St George Illawarra half formally accepted the NRL’s punishment to deregister him.

Amone was issued a notice to cancel his registration on December 19 and was given until Wednesday to appeal the NRL’s findings. However, it is understood the 21-year-old will not petition against the governing body’s decision.

That means his $500,000 contract with the Dragons will be torn up. Amone had 12 months left on his St George Illawarra deal but now faces an uncertain future.

Talatau Amone won’t appeal his deregistration. Picture: NCA NewsWire/Simon Bullard

It is unclear when Amone – or if – he will be allowed to return to the NRL. The governing body, under its rules, does do not give a direct timeline on its breach notices.

Amone is now expected to sit on the sidelines for at least 12 months before seeking an opportunity to make his comeback.

First though, Amone will need to complete his court-ordered 300 hours of community service after he was found guilty of a rooftop hammer attack in Wollongong.

Amone was sentenced to a two-year intensive corrections order and community service.

Amone will need to serve 300 hours of community service. Picture: Brendan Radke

He was allowed to play for the Dragons this year despite the court appearance hanging over his head. Amone had been stood-down by the Dragons after he was found guilty in October before being sentenced earlier this month.

Amone had long been touted as a future star alongside former elite junior player, Jayden Sullivan. The pair had been earmarked as St George Illawarra’s long-term halves partners. Sullivan has since moved to the Wests Tigers while Amone, who has played 54 top-grade games and represented Tonga at the World Cup last year, faces an uphill battle to keep his career alive.

The Dragons have moved to replace Amone by signing Ronald Volkman from the New Zealand Warriors on a 12-month contract. Volkman was released immediately from New Zealand despite having two years left on his deal.

He will compete with Kyle Flanagan for a starting spot alongside Ben Hunt in the halves.

Originally published as St George Illawarra Dragons player Talatau Amone’s NRL career in limbo after contract deregistered