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Josh Reynolds free to play amid explosive allegations against ex-partner

australian associated press
Josh Reynolds and Arabella Del Busso, pictured here in happier times.
Josh Reynolds and Arabella Del Busso. Image: Instagram

Penrith's Tyrone May and Wests Tigers star Josh Reynolds have been given the all-clear by the NRL to play in this year's competition.

May has been given the green light to return in round five of this year's competition following his conviction for filming four sex tapes.

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Reynolds will also not be subject to the league's "no-fault" stand-down policy despite his ongoing court proceedings on charges of domestic violence allegations.

Decisions on the status of Canberra recruit Curtis Scott and Parramatta's Maika Sivo over their matters will be made at later dates, the NRL said in a statement on Friday.

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On Friday Reynolds reiterated his innocence as he gets set to fight the charges in court later this year.

The 30-year-old has pleaded not guilty to assault occasioning bodily harm related to an alleged domestic violence incident involving his former partner, Arabella Del Busso, in Caringbah South last year.

The matter was mentioned briefly in Sutherland Local Court on Friday and will be heard during a two-day special fixture hearing at Sydney's Downing Centre on April 29 and 30.

"I'm happy the matter has been brought forward to prove my innocence," Reynolds said outside court.

He was supported in court by his mother and a Tigers staff member.

Josh Reynolds, pictured here at a Wests Tigers training session in 2019.
Josh Reynolds in action during a Wests Tigers training session. (Photo by Mark Kolbe/Getty Images)

NSW Police have accused Reynolds of causing bruising to the 29-year-old's right arm and left leg on September 12. She reported the incident to police on December 11.

Reynolds said he would contest an apprehended violence order taken out on Ms Del Busso's behalf, with his defence previously saying it would rely upon expert evidence to prove bruising on her arm was caused by medication.

His lawyer, Dan McGirr, said in court on Friday that they would call medical witnesses who would testify as to what medication Ms Del Busso was taking and whether it was administered by injection.

While the offences are not serious enough to trigger an automatic stand down, the NRL had previously taken a strong stance against violence, particularly matters involving women.