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YOUNG Dragons prop Addin Fonua-Blake faces tough penalties from the NRL should he be found guilty of assaulting his girlfriend as the game looks to rebuild it’s image following a string of domestic violence incidents.
Fonua-Blake, 19, was charged with common assault and will front Waverly Local Court at the end of this month after being reported to police for allegedly kicking his girlfriend following a verbal disagreement at an Eastlakes home on Sunday night.
The 2014 Junior Kiwi - who last year re-signed with the club for two more years - was subsequently stood down from all club duties with the Dragons who released a statement on Monday night.
‘‘The club has stood Fonua-Blake down from club activities, effective immediately and until further notice for breaching the club’s code of conduct,’’ the statement read.
‘‘The NRL’s Integrity Unit has been informed and the club has arranged counselling.’’
The NRL received heavy criticism for it’s failure to act in the case of Rabbitohs centre Kirisome Auva’a after he pleaded guilty to assaulting his girlfriend in January last year. Auva’a was eventually stood down indefinitely in November but not before winning a premiership ring with the Rabbitohs.
NRL CEO Dave Smith said at the time: ‘‘Let me make it clear… we abhor violence against women and it will not be tolerated in our game. Everyone needs to understand that if you are violent against women there is no place for you in rugby league.’’
Former Knights prop Zane Tetevano also had a one-year deal with Manly torn up in December after pleading guilty to assaulting his former girlfriend.
Fonua-Blake was one of the Dragons’ NYC stars last season, captaining the team to a preliminary final appearance and earning selection in the Junior Kiwis side that upset the Junior Kangaroos 15-14 in November.
It comes just a month after the club reinstated another former under 20s captain Craig Garvey who was convicted of assaulting a man at a Wollongong hotel in July last year.
Garvey was also stood down from club duties following his conviction in September but rejoined the Dragons top squad on a conditional contract in December where he has impressed with his attitude after completing a number of rehabilitation and welfare programs.
News of the charge also comes amid criticism in some quarters of the Dragons willingness to throw wayward former Warriors prop Russell Packer - who was last week spotted shopping at Wollongong Central - a career lifeline following his release from prison in January after serving 12-months of a two year sentence for assault.