Dylan Walker stood down by NRL until next court appearance

Manly’s Dylan Walker has become the first player to be stood down under the NRL’s new discretionary rules for players facing serious criminal charges.

Walker, who is pleading not guilty to a charge of assaulting his partner, will be sidelined until the matter is heard by the courts. He is due to appear again in May.

Although the charges do not carry a penalty of more than 11 years jail time, which would invoke an automatic stand-down, NRL boss Todd Greenberg has used his discretionary powers to prevent Walker taking the field.

More:

» Sharks forced to dump players

» Surprise outcome for Tigers CEO over Farah deal

» Napa's fate revealed following lewd videos

It comes just a day after the NRL announced the new policy, which resulted in St George Illawarra forward Jack de Belin being stood down automatically.

"The NRL stresses that we are making no judgement on his guilt or innocence. That is a matter for the courts," Greenberg said.

Manly immediately accepted the sanction.

“We accept this decision as part of the NRL’s drive to significantly uplift player behaviour and the overall image of the game on and off the field,” said Sea Eagles CEO Lyall Gorman.

“Equally Dylan’s welfare is paramount to us and we will continue to provide full support to him and his family.

“Naturally we are disappointed to lose Dylan from our playing squad.

“In discussions with the NRL earlier this morning, the club has been advised that a future application for salary cap relief as a result of this stand down will be looked upon favourably.

“Hopefully this matter will be finalised at the next scheduled hearing date on Friday, May 10.

“Our club will continue to remain fully focussed on delivering the strongest possible performance on and off the field for our members, fans and corporate family for the 2019 season.”