Dragons star Talatau Amone has been cleared to play by NRL despite police allegations

The Dragons were informed on a Tuesday afternoon – just hours before they were due to name their side for Sunday’s game against Gold Coast – that Amone was free to take his place in the club’s season opener.

Amone was automatically fired under the game’s no-fault stand-down rule after being charged with a variety of offenses in the preseason.

However, his matter was referred to the local court and the potential sentence was reduced, meaning the automatic no-fault standdown rule no longer applied.

NRL chief executive Andrew Abdo could have exercised his discretionary powers but instead cleared Amone for the game pending the outcome of his court hearing.

The NRL confirmed the decision on Tuesday afternoon.

“The National Rugby League confirmed today (Tuesday) that the no-fault stand down condition will no longer apply to St George Illawarra Dragons’ Talatau Junior Amone with immediate effect,” the statement read.

“Mr Amone is now eligible to enter NRL competition as a player.”

Amone was the favorite to start the season in the No. 6 jersey for the Dragons before being weaned.

He is now expected to return in the NSW Cup – Jayden Sullivan is expected to be named as Ben Hunt’s half-partner for the club’s season opener.

The Dragons had the bye in round one.

Originally released as NRL 2023: Dragons star Talatau Amone has been cleared for Round 2 despite ongoing court cases