Rabbitohs star to remain sidelined for entire season over domestic violence charges

South Sydney winger Tyrone Munro is set to remain in rugby league limbo after the hearing into domestic assault allegations against him was adjourned until next year.

Munro fronted Burwood Local Court on Tuesday over an alleged incident near Homebush in April of last year. The 21-year-old has pleaded not guilty to charges of assault occasioning actual bodily harm, stalk/intimidate with intent of fear or physical harm and common assault.

Munro is sidelined under the NRL’s no-fault stand-down rule, which dictates that any player charged with a serious criminal offence carrying a maximum prison sentence of 11 years or more is automatically suspended from playing.

He remains on full pay and continues to train with the Rabbitohs, but won’t play a game this season.

The alleged victim attended court on Tuesday, but did not give evidence.

Munro’s lawyer, Elias Tabchouri, said his client would fight to clear his name.

“It’s unfortunate that the matter has been adjourned until the 15th of February and won’t be able to be completed [before then],” Tabchouri said.

“He still maintains his innocence and will continue to fight these charges. Of concern is [that], due to the inflexible nature of the NRL’s stand-down policy, he will miss a whole season of rugby league in circumstances where it is arguable that this period would exceed any penalty he would receive in relation to any outcome relating to these matters.”

Tabchouri said the NRL shouldn’t take a one-size-fits-all approach in relations to off-field incidents.

“We urge the NRL to apply some discretion to these matters based on an assessment of the case by its own legal experts,” he said. “From there, they can exercise their powers accordingly.”

The Rabbitohs flyer is considered a rising star and is contracted until the end of next year. He has scored 13 tries from 19 appearances, but it is unclear if and when he will add to the tally.

Support is available from the National Sexual Assault, Domestic Family Violence Counselling Service at 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732) or the Men’s Referral Service on 1300 766 491. For crisis support, contact Lifeline 13 11 14 or lifeline.org.au.