St George Illawarra young gun Talatau Junior Amone has been reinstated by the NRL, with his ongoing legal battle taking a turn prior to the season.
The 20-year-old was charged with reckless grievous bodily harm, destroying property and intimidation following an alleged hammer attack in November last year.
Amone's initial maximum prison sentence sat at 14 years if found guilty, which saw the playmaker fall under the NRL's no-fault stand-down policy.
But in a promising twist for the Dragons, Amone's case will now be heard in Wollongong Local Court as opposed to a district court, which has seen his maximum sentence drop to just five years.
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The Sydney Morning Herald reported last week that the five-eighth is seeking immediate reinstatement, which would put him back in the frame for selection in Round 2 against the Titans.
The NRL have now confirmed Amone will be available for selection.
"The National Rugby League (NRL) has today confirmed that the No-Fault Stand Down Condition will no longer apply to St George Illawarra Dragons player Talatau Junior Amone, effective immediately," a statement said.
"Mr Amone is now eligible to be selected to participate as a player in the NRL competition."
Will Talatau Junior Amone be allowed to play for the Dragons?
Amone has been cleared by the NRL following the reduction in his maximum sentence.
According to the NRL rules, players will be subject to the no-fault stand-down policy if they are facing criminal charges with a sentence of 11 years or more. The league may also use discretionary powers if the alleged crime involves a woman or a child.
Dragons lock Jack de Belin was the first player to be subjected to the policy back in 2019, before his sexual assault charge were eventually dropped in 2022.
The NRL released a statement on Tuesday confirming Amone would be allowed to play in Round 2.
"The National Rugby League (NRL) has today confirmed that the No-Fault Stand Down Condition will no longer apply to St George Illawarra Dragons player Talatau Junior Amone, effective immediately," the statement said.
"Mr Amone is now eligible to be selected to participate as a player in the NRL competition."
Amone has played 35 games for the Dragons since making his debut in 2021 and featured in the Rugby League World Cup for Tonga last year.
St George Illawarra had the bye in Round 1 and will take on Gold Coast on Sunday, March 12th.
Dragons Round 2 predicted team list vs Titans
1. Tyrell Sloan
2. Mat Feagai
3. Moses Suli
4. Zac Lomax
5. Mikaele Ravalawa
6. Jayden Sullivan
7. Ben Hunt
8. Blake Lawrie
9. Jacob Liddle
10. Jack de Belin
11. Ben Murdoch-Masila
12. Jaydn Su’A
13. Jack Bird
14. Moses Mbye
15. Michael Molo
16. Zane Musgrove
17. Tyrell Fuimaono
