Young Dragons prop Addin Fonua-Blake could face 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.
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Fonua-Blake, 19, will front Waverly Local Court on January 29 charged with common assault after being reported to police for allegedly kicking his girlfriend following an argument at an Eastlakes home on Sunday night.
The 2014 Junior Kiwi, who last year re-signed with the club until the end of 2016, was subsequently stood down from all club duties with the Dragons.
"The club has stood Fonua-Blake down ... effective immediately and until further notice for breaching the club's code of conduct," a Dragons 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 then girlfriend in January last year. Auva'a was eventually stood down indefinitely in November but not before winning a grand final 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 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 his side to a preliminary final 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 hooker Craig Garvey, 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.
