The NRL has stood down Parramatta star Dylan Brown under the no-fault stand-down rule after he faced court on Wednesday charged with sexual touching.
Brown had been named to play for the Eels against Canterbury on Monday pending his court appearance but will now be stood down while he awaits an outcome of his court hearing.
He was charged after a first court hearing on Monday, following accusations of touching a woman without her consent at the Golden Sheaf, in Double Bay, about 11.40pm Saturday.
Brown was granted bail before he appeared at Sydney’s Downing Centre Local Court on Wednesday facing five counts and a maximum of five years in prison if found guilty over the incident.
He wasn’t automatically stood down because he has not been charged with an offence that carries a maximum jail term of 11 years or more.
But NRL chief executive Andrew Abdo used his discretionary power to stand him down on Wednesday afternoon.
“The NRL has today advised the Parramatta Eels that Dylan Brown is subject to a No-Fault Stand Down Condition under the NRL Rules,” a league statement said.
“New South Wales Police charged Dylan Brown with several counts of sexually touch without consent following an incident at Double Bay on Saturday 3 June 2023.
“The NRL decision should in no way be interpreted as a view on the innocence or guilt of the player.”
In a statement the Eels confirmed Brown would not be eligible for selection “until he receives clearance from the NRL”.
“The Parramatta Eels have been informed by the NRL that Dylan Brown has been stood down from team selection as part of the NRL’s no fault stand down policy regarding the incident this past weekend,” the statement read
“Dylan will not be eligible for selection until he receives clearance from the NRL.
“Out of respect for the legal process now under way, the Club will not be making any further comment at this time.”
Parramatta captain Clint Gutherson said on Wednesday the Eels were eager to focus on Monday‘s game and not Brown’s situation.
“Our main focus is footy, we‘ve got a big game coming up,” he said.
“We’ve got a big three or four week period that we’ve really got to nail and that’s what we’re focused on as a team.”