Mar 4th, 2020

Mar 4th, 2020

The NRL has cleared Canberra bad boy Curtis Scott to play at the start of the new season next week, despite having a serious court case hanging over his head.

Scott, who joined the Raiders after parting company with Melbourne over the summer, faces seven police charges after an alleged wild night on the drink on the Australia Day weekend.

The young centre was tasered after allegedly assaulting police and the courts will decide his fate in coming months.

But the alleged offences aren't serious enough for Scott to be automatically outed from playing under the game's 'no fault' stand-down rule.

Canberra Raiders recruit Curtis Scott. (Getty)

The NRL is expected to make a statement on Scott's availability for round one later today.

The move is certain to anger fans of other clubs whose players have been stood down for similar offences.

Scott has a long history of problems off the field, some of which have allegedly been swept under the rug by officials.

**UPDATE: After The Mole broke the story, the Canberra Raiders issued the below statement confirming that Scott was available to play.

"The National Rugby League (NRL) has advised the Canberra Raiders that Curtis Scott will not be subject to the No-Fault Stand Down.

"The decision should in no way be interpreted as a view on Scott's innocence or guilt.

"Two players, one facing a maximum sentence of life imprisonment and the other facing a maximum sentence of 25 years imprisonment, are currently subject to an automatic No-Fault Stand Down.

"Scott's charges carry a maximum five years imprisonment and do not qualify for an automatic No-Fault Stand Down. Having considered the charges against Scott, the NRL has determined that he should not be prevented from playing whilst he responds to them.

"The NRL regards the charges as extremely serious and the Raiders have been advised Scott will face a significant penalty if found guilty of the charges."