The NRL have stood down Penrith player Tyrone May under the league's new no-fault stand down policy.
May was charged on Tuesday morning with two counts of recording and distributing lewd images with consent, with the charges coming against two separate victims.
NRL CEO Todd Greenberg released the following statement on the matter.
"That is a matter for the courts," he said in a media release on NRL.com.
"Our new policy provides for the automatic stand down of players on a no-fault basis where they are charged with serious criminal matters.
"It also provides discretion for players to be stood down for other matters, particularly where the criminal allegations involve women.
"In the circumstances of the current charges I have determined to place Tyrone May on a no-fault stand down.
"The no-fault stand down will remain in force until the court proceedings are concluded."
Penrith have released the following statement on their website.
Penrith Panthers supports the NRL decision to implement the no-fault stand down policy in relation to Panthers player Tyrone May.
The 22-year-old will be sidelined until his current court proceedings are concluded.
“The decision to stand down Tyrone May is not about passing judgement on guilt or innocence,” Panthers Chairman David O'Neill said.
“Panthers acknowledges the seriousness of the charges and agrees the decision is in the best interests of the game.
“May will continue to train with the club and we will work closely with the NRL and the RLPA to ensure his wellbeing.”