St George Illawarra half Talatau Amoneย has been handed a no-fault stand-down by the NRL, meaning the Tongan international will be restricted from playing in the competitionย until his name is cleared.
The youngster has been charged with occasioning reckless grievous bodily harm, stalking and damaging property after an alleged fiery encounter with a tradesman on November 15th, 2022.
The NRL's no-fault stand-down policy only comes into effect in incidences where a charge carries 11 or more years imprisonment, with the occasioning reckless grievous bodily harm charge clocking a maximum sentence of 14 years behind bars.
Talatau Junior Amone of Tonga goes over for a try during the Rugby League World Cup 2021 Group D match โฆ@LeagueTonga #Tonga@CookIslands_RL #Kukis #CookIslandsRL@RLWC2021 #RLWC2021 #RugbyLeague@Mark_Cozy
Sales - pictures@newsimages.co.uk pic.twitter.com/Ei8eUpNQRt— Mark Cosgrove (@Mark_Cozy) October 30, 2022
While it means Amone cannot play in the NRL, including trial games, until the issue is resolved, the five-eighth is free to train with the club as Jack de Belin did during his time stood down, and seek counsel with welfare staff.
The NRL released a statement on Wednesday afternoon, confirming the stand down.
'The National Rugby League (NRL) is aware that New South Wales Police have charged Talatau Junior Amone with reckless grievous bodily harm in company, destroy or damage property and stalking or intimidation with intent to cause fear of physical or mental harm, following an alleged incident in 2022.
The NRL has advised the St George Illawarra Dragons that Talatau Junior Amone is subject to the Mandatory No-Fault Stand Down Condition under the NRL Rules.
Under the condition, the player is not permitted to participate as a player in the NRL competition or any related, representative or other competition or pre-season trial match.'
It's a shocking blow for the club in the same 24 hours that back-up No. 6 Jayden Sullivan was ruled out for at least 4-6 weeks after sustaining a hamstring sprain at training leaving him in doubt for the opening match.
The pair are joined on the sidelines by fellow spine star Cody Ramsey, who was hospitalised late last year with ulcerative colitis, and remains in doubt.
It leaves Tyrell Sloan to fill the fullback role in the 'Molong Miracle's absence, while either Jack Bird or Moses Mbye are expected to slot into the halves.
Amone's case was mentioned in Wollongong District Local Court on Wednesday, with the case being adjourned until March 1st, the day before the NRL season starts.
There's no trial date set yet.
The Dragons have the bye for opening round before meeting the Titans on March 12th.
