NSW Premier Mike Baird has called on the NRL to take action after Roosters' star Shaun Kenny-Dowall was charged with several domestic violence offences against his former girlfriend.

Kenny-Dowall was charged yesterday with repeatedly assaulting ex-girlfriend Jessica Peris over an eight month period.

The 27-year-old voluntarily didn't take to the field in his team's clash with the Warriors today, but Mr Baird said the league needs to send a stronger message to its players.

"Everyone is obviously allowed a right and an opportunity for this case to be proven," he said.

Shaun Kenny-Dowall is facing domestic violence charges. (AAP) (AAP)

"But I think if the NRL was going to send a strong message, they could say 'we don't want you to play until this case is proven'."

Roosters Coach Trent Robinson said Kenny-Dowall is "doing it tough".

"Not playing him today was a welfare decision from the club," he said.

NRL boss Dave Smith told 9NEWS Kenny-Dowall will be allowed to play on and considered innocent until proven otherwise.

"We abhor domestic violence but I will never pre-judge anyone, that is simply not fair," he said.

The NRL is a partner of the White Ribbon campaign, however anti-domestic violence groups worry about the message it is sending to young people.

"The young man should be stood down until the charges and criminal justice process is completed," 1800 Respect Executive Officer Karen Willis said.