The Country Rugby League (CRL) today de-registered Oakdale Workers player Manu Asoava.

It means he has been barred from playing Rugby League in Country New South Wales indefinitely.

Asoava was involved in an incident which resulted in another player suffering an horrific injury to his ankle in a Group 6 match two weeks ago.

He was initially suspended by the Group 6 judiciary for the rest of the season.

But the CRL Board decided today that the incident was so serious that Asoava should have his registration cancelled.

CRL CEO Terry Quinn said player welfare was the game’s top priority and the Board had a duty to send a message to all players that acts of violence would not be tolerated.

"The Board was appalled at this incident and has determined that Manu should be de-registered," he said.

"If he wishes to play in a country NSW competition again he will need to apply to the CRL and give good reason why he should be registered.

"In the absence of that happening, he will not be allowed to play in any of our competitions."