New South Wales police have dropped domestic violence charges against NRL player Luciano Leilua.
Key points:
- Domestic violence charges against NRL player Luciano Leilua have been dropped
- The North Queensland Cowboys player has been stood down since October last year
- He is now free to join the 22-man squad for Saturday's clash against Wests Tigers
The 26-year-old back-rower for the North Queensland Cowboys was stood down by the club in October 2022 after he was arrested and charged with two domestic violence offences including common assault and damaging or destroying property.
It had previously been alleged that Leilua assaulted a woman known to him and smashed her phone at a home in Sydney's south-west.
Leilua appeared in Sydney's Campbelltown Court on Thursday morning and was expected to enter a plea of not guilty but police dropped charges.
His lawyer Elias Tabchouri told reporters it was a great result.
"Ultimately our position was that this was a case that could not be sustained and clearly police have seen that and we have all agreed to take the course that we have taken which is the appropriate course," he said.
"He hasn't played since October last year and he wants to rebuild his life with his family and rebuild his career."
Leilua to play again for Cowboys
Leilua had been subject to the NRL's no-fault stand down policy which prohibited him from playing for the North Queensland Cowboys.
He was also banned from playing for Samoa in the Rugby League World Cup during the NRL off-season.
Leilua has continued to train with the North Queensland Cowboys while stood down.
In a statement, the NRL said confirmed that the no-fault stand down would no longer apply to Leilua, effective immediately.
"The Integrity Unit will now conduct its own inquiries to determine whether any NRL rules have been breached," a spokesperson said.
The North Queensland Cowboys have been granted an exemption by the NRL to add Leilua to the 22-man squad for Saturday's clash against Wests Tigers.
Leilua agreed to a 12-month Apprehended Violence Order which relates to the protection of a person where a domestic relationship exists between the parties.