* Clarification: An earlier version of this story stated that Dylan Brown was free to return to play. That information was incorrect.
The NRL has confirmed Parramatta Eels star Dylan Brown will no longer be subject to the no-fault stand down condition after the finalisation of criminal charges against the five-eighth.
Brown was originally subject to the NRL’s no fault stand down policy after he was charged with five counts of sexual touching for an incident at Sydney hotel the Golden Sheaf last month.
At Downing Centre Local Court, Brown entered guilty pleas to two of the charges, while police withdrew the other three.
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He was sentenced to a Community Correction Order for a period of 18 months.
Brown will also be subject to an apprehended personal violence order, which includes conditions of not harassing, threatening or stalking the victim.
The New Zealand international apologised for his actions.
“Firstly, I want to unreservedly apologise to the person involved and the impact it has had on them,” Brown said in a statement.
“I am not proud of the behaviour I displayed, and I take full responsibility for my actions. Additionally, I want to apologise to everyone connected to the club for the negative impact that this incident has caused, and I am committed to learning from this experience.”
The Eels also released a statement after the court case was completed.
“Our club has a strong commitment to respectful behaviour towards women, and the behaviour that was outlined in court today is unacceptable and against the expectations we have at our club,” Parramatta Eels chief executive officer Jim Sarantinos said.
“Dylan has taken full responsibility for his actions and has acknowledged the impact this has had on the person involved, for which he is genuinely remorseful. The club will continue to support Dylan and work with him as he learns from this experience. We will now work with the NRL integrity unit on the next steps in finalising the matter.”
While Brown isn’t subject to the no-fault stand down policy, the NRL could still determine that further sanctions against him are warranted. That determination will be made after the Integrity Unit conducts its own review of the incident.
It is expected that the NRL will make its determination before the Eels’ next clash, against the Warriors next Saturday. Parramatta has a bye in round 18.
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