Dragons star Talatau Amone has been cleared by the NRL to play despite a string of serious charges
Why has NRL star Talatau Amone been CLEARED to play football despite facing a series of serious charges after he allegedly attacked a tradie with a hammer?
The NRL cleared St George Illawarra to play for five-eighth Talatau Amone, allowing him to take his place in the club’s season opener against the Gold Coast on Sunday.
The Dragons were informed Tuesday afternoon, just hours before their team was announced, that Amone was free to play.
The NRL’s no-fault suspension rule had been applied to Amone due to charges brought against him in pre-season, but has now been lifted.
As Amone’s charges moved to local court with a potentially reduced sentence, the no-fault automatic stay rule no longer applied.
While NRL chief executive Andrew Abdo had discretionary powers in this matter, he decided to clear Amone to play pending the outcome of his court hearing.
The NRL upheld the decision on Tuesday afternoon, giving Amone the green light to play in the season opener.
Talatau Amone of the Dragons runs with the ball during the round 10 NRL match between the Gold Coast Titans and the St George Illawarra Dragons at Suncorp Stadium
“The National Rugby League confirmed today (Tuesday) that the No-Fault Suspension Condition will no longer apply to St George Illawarra Dragons player Talatau Junior Amone with immediate effect,” the statement read.
‘Mr Amone is now eligible to be selected to participate as a player in NRL competition.’
Last month, Amone, also known as Junior, was charged with reckless causing serious bodily injury in company, damaging property and stalking in connection with an alleged incident in November of last year.
Amone reportedly joined her father Talatau and a third individual in attacking the victim while armed with a hammer, urging them to ‘Get the f***f ing c***’ as the victim lay on the ground. floor.
Amone will be able to play free for the Dragons against Gold Coast in their 2023 NRL season opener this weekend
Due to the potential severity of the charges, Amone will be subject to the NRL’s no-fault takedown policy.
This policy is implemented when a player faces a possible jail sentence of 11 years or more after being charged by the police. The charge of reckless grievous bodily harm in company alone carries a possible jail term of 14 years.