Dragons star Jack de Belin has dropped his legal action against the NRL's no-fault stand-down policy, reports The Daily Telegraph.
The lock's representatives were appealing the legitimacy of the policy that has caused him to miss the entire season, stood down in March after being charged with sexual assault.
However, the two-day hearing which commenced on Thursday morning did not last long.
The NRL released the following statement after de Belin's decision: “We have always held the view that the no-fault stand down rule is in the best interests of the game and are pleased that the legal challenge to this rule has now been concluded,” the statement read.
“The NRL’s no-fault stand down rule introduced in March 2019 and confirmed by the Federal Court in May continues to apply.
“The Commission and the NRL take very seriously our responsibility to protect the reputation of the Game and its stakeholders.”
The 28-year old has pleaded not guilty to five charges of aggravated sexual assault in company for an alleged incident with a 19-year old woman in Wollongong in December.
He will strand trial on March 2 just a fortnight before the 2020 season. If found not guilty, he could be free to play round one of next year.
