Lui stood down by Cowboys

North Queensland’s Robert Lui has been stood down for the remainder of the current season after a meeting between Cowboys officials and league bosses.

Halfback Lui was last month fined and given a two-year good behaviour bond after admitting an assault on his partner following last year’s end-of-season celebrations whilst he was still a Wests Tigers player.

But the latest punishment was imposed after a gathering between North Queensland and representatives from the Australian Rugby League Commission.

“The Cowboys and Sharks have joined the ARLC in making a clear statement about the need to prevent violence against women,” said Commission Chief Executive David Gallop.

“With regard to Robert Lui, he has been suspended since the day of his guilty verdict and there has been a need since then to consider the welfare of Robert’s partner Tahleah, his son, and Robert’s own ongoing welfare in what is a difficult family circumstance.

Cowboys Chief Executive, Mr Peter Jourdain, added: “It is important to remember that we are dealing with real lives and our first priority from the moment we stood Robert down from playing has been the ongoing welfare of Tahleah, his son, as well as Robert.

“We ensured Robert did not play while those matters were professionally assessed and the club will continue to provide ongoing counselling for Robert and support for his partner and son, who remain very much together as a family.”

Cronulla player Isaac Gordon meanwhile will serve a nine-match ban after pleaded guilty to a lesser assault charge against his partner.

The Sharks have already imposed an undisclosed fine on Gordon.