The NRL today cleared Dylan Walker to return to playing for the Manly Sea Eagles team effective immediately.
This follows his acquittal of assault charges and a review of the court documents by the Integrity Unit.
CEO Todd Greenberg said Walker’s no fault stand down has expired and he is free to return to the NRL.
Mr Greenberg said the case had successfully demonstrated how the new no fault stand down rule protects the reputation of the game.
“We always said that we make no judgement on the guilt or innocence of any player stood down under this rule,” he said.
“That is a matter for the courts and, in this case, Dylan has been acquitted of the charges and is free to return to the game.
“We thank the Manly club for its support of the new rule and wish Dylan the best for the rest of the season.
“It is clear the no fault stand down rule enables us to protect the reputation of the game while charges are heard – so it is doing its job.”
Mr Greenberg said the no fault stand down rule will only be used where players are charged with serious offences.
“We hope to use it very sparingly – only for the most serious cases – but we believe it is already proving successful in protecting the reputation of the game,” he said.
