George Burgess is free to continue his rugby league career while he fights allegations of sexual touching.
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The NRL has decided not to enforce their no-fault stand-down policy after the St George Illawarra forward was charged by police last Monday.
Read more: Dragons face tough bounce-back mission
Burgess was charged with sexual touching a woman without consent after an alleged incident with a woman known to him in Sydney on March 8.
He is due to face court on April 13.
The charge of sexual touching carries a maximum prison term of five years, below the threshold of 11 years imprisonment that automatically triggers the stand-down policy.
As a result, the NRL spent the past week considering whether to utilise their discretionary powers to enforce a stand down before ultimately opting not to do so.
Burgess could still face sanction from the league if he is found guilty by the courts.
"The National Rugby League (NRL) has advised the St George Illawarra Dragons that player George Burgess will be permitted to continue playing in the NRL Premiership while subject to criminal proceedings," the NRL said in a statement.
"So as not to prejudice Burgess' criminal proceedings case, the NRL will wait the outcome of that case before taking any action for possible breaches of NRL rules.
"The decision in no way forms a judgement on the allegations against Burgess which are serious and the NRL reserves the right to impose a No Fault Stand Down in the future."
News first broke of a police investigation into Burgess last Monday, the revelations taking the Dragons by surprise.
The club opted to name him in their squad for Thursday's clash with the Sharks while they awaited further information from police and the NRL.
Ultimately it was decided Burgess would not play in the match, which St George Illawarra lost 36-12.
In response to the NRL's decision, the Dragons confirmed the forward will continue to train with the top squad and will be available for selection.
"The St George Illawarra Dragons acknowledge the NRL's decision to not enforce the no-fault stand down policy on player George Burgess," the club said in a statement.
"Burgess will continue to train with the team and be considered for first grade selection.
"Out of the respect to the legal process now underway, the club will make no further comment until the matter is concluded."
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