For more of the latest NRL news updates visit http://dailymail.co.uk/nrl

The taped evidence failed to show that the 39-year-old had 'misbehaved'

between him and his wife

A secret recording of ex-NRL star Hazem El Masri, 39, arguing with his wife, during which she alleged he turned violent, has led to the dismissal of domestic violence charges against him.

The former Bulldogs player was due to face a hearing this week on charges of assault and assault occasioning actual bodily harm, after his second wife, Douah El-Cherif, 25, made domestic violence allegations last October.

But prosecutors told Bankstown Local Court on Monday the charges and a related application for an apprehended domestic violence order had been reviewed and should be withdrawn.

Scroll down for video

A secret recording of ex- NRL star Hazem El Masri, 39, arguing with his wife, during which she alleged he turned violent, has led to the dismissal of domestic violence charges against him on Monday (pictured center)

The former Bulldogs player was due to face a hearing this week on assault charges, after his second wife, Douah El-Cherif, 25, (pictured) made domestic violence allegations last October

Defense lawyer Chris Murphy credited the secret recording taken by Mr El Masri as a key piece of evidence that led to the charges being formally dismissed, according to the Sydney Morning Herald.

'Mr El Masri has been totally exonerated. And he hasn't been exonerated because somebody dropped off or something happened. The police have examined the evidence. There is overwhelming forensic evidence that shows his innocence,' Mr Murphy said.

'There is a recording of the event in which he is alleged to misbehave. It didn’t happen. It’s undeniable.'

Mr El Masri told a crowd gathered outside of the court that he was always confident in the legal system and that the 'truth just prevailed.'

'I want to urge every lady, man, child - any person out there that is subjected to any domestic violence to make sure they report it,' he said.

'The justice system is there to protect us.'

Prosecutors told Bankstown Local Court on Monday the charges against Mr El Masri (pictured center) had been reviewed and should be withdrawn

The recording by Mr El Masri (right) was a key piece of evidence in proving his innocence, his lawyer Chris Murphy said

'There is a recording of the event in which he is alleged to misbehave. It didn’t happen. It’s undeniable,' Mr Murphy said of the recording

Mr El Masri thanked his fans, family and first wife Arwa Abousamra for 'being courageous (enough) to stand up for the truth'.

He was stood down as an ambassador for White Ribbon, the campaign dedicated to stamping out violence against women, in the wake of the allegations.

He was also working as a youth mentor for the NRL but his responsibilities were significantly wound back after charges were laid.

Mr El Masri was charged with two assault offences in October after an allegation of domestic violence against Ms El-Charif (pictured)

The 39-year-old high-profile former winger married Ms El-Charif earlier in 2015 after splitting from his first wife and mother of his three children, Arwa (pictured), the year before

Mr Murphy, who has always maintained his client's innocence, said it was time for Mr El Masri to get his life back.

Mr Murphy has previously speculated that the charges against his client would be dropped, describing Ms El-Charif as a 'compulsive liar' and that the claims against Mr El Masri were 'hysterical and false'.