Luciano Leilua has returned to the NRL after domestic violence charges against the Cowboys forward were dropped on Thursday.
The second-rower has missed the opening 11 rounds of the season after being subjected to the NRL's no-fault stand-down policy. But he has come straight into Todd Payten's starting side against the Tigers after the NRL granted an exemption for the Cowboys to name Leilua.
Leilua appeared in Campbelltown Local Court on May 18th, where the charges of common assault and damaging or destroying property stemming from an October incident were dismissed.
The 26-year-old signed with North Queensland mid-way through last season, scoring three tries in 11 games as the side reached the prelim final.
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"North Queensland Cowboys forward Luciano Leilua appeared in Campbelltown local court today where charges against him were dropped," a club statement said.
"The Cowboys will now work with the NRL with regards to the status of Leilua’s discretionary no-fault stand down."
The NRL also confirmed Leilua would no longer be subject to the stand down policy.
"The No-Fault Stand Down condition has been discontinued following the withdrawal of criminal charges against Leilua at Campbelltown Local Court today.
"The Integrity Unit will now conduct its own inquiries to determine whether any NRL rules have been breached."
Leilua's potential return could be a major boost for the resurgent Cowboys, who have won their past two matches against the Roosters and Dragons.
Jason Taumalolo is closing in on a return from a knee injury, while the club added depth to their forward pack with the signing of Sam McIntyre earlier this week.
Why was Luciano Leilua stood down?
Leilua has been sidelined under the NRL's no-fault stand down policy, after he was charged by police in October 2022 over an alleged domestic violence incident.
Police alleged the Cowboys forward assaulted his partner and broke her phone after an argument in Sydney on Monday afternoon.
The NRL advised both the Cowboys and Leilua that he has been subjected to the temporary ban, which also ruled him out of playing for Samoa in last year's Rugby League World Cup.
