NRL clears path for Anthony Milford's return after completing investigation into off-field incident
Anthony Milford will be allowed to return to the NRL with the Newcastle Knights following the completion of the league's investigation into an incident which led to assault charges that were eventually dropped.
While the charges were dropped earlier this week, the NRL delayed immediately clearing Milford to return, before completing its own investigation.
According to an NRL statement, Milford's application for registration with the Knights will be "registered on a conditional basis with mandatory requirements".
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"Milford's eligibility to play in the Premiership will be conditional on him successfully completing a series of personal development and tailored rehabilitation programs and ongoing assessments with NRL Wellbeing & Education, including regular updates to the Integrity Unit about his progress," an NRL statement read.
Milford could make his NRL comeback for the Knights against his old team in round 11 Getty
"Milford will be granted conditional registration to train with the Newcastle Knights while he completes these programs, but will not be permitted to play until the programs have been substantially completed, he has been assessed by an appropriate professional, and met with the NRL. He will not be permitted to play before Round 11, providing 4 weeks for the relevant programs and assessment.
"The NRL has zero tolerance for any form of violence involving women and will always take serious action in relation to such incidents.
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"The conditions placed on Milford's registration take into account the serious nature of the incident and focus on the education and rehabilitation of Milford prior to him being allowed to compete in the Premiership."
The 27-year-old initially signed a one-year deal with South Sydney for the 2022 season, but the NRL refused to register the contract after he was charged with three counts of assault last September.
Ironically, the Knights will face Milford's old team, the Brisbane Broncos, in round 11 in what looms as his potential comeback match.
