South Sydney Rabbitohs' Kirisome Auva'a banned indefinitely

The NRL will not consider lifting Auva'a's suspension for at least nine months after he pleaded guilty to two charges of recklessly causing serious injury and criminal damage during an assault on his girlfriend in Melbourne at the start of the year.

Auva'a avoided a conviction and jail over the incident, instead placed on a two-year good behaviour bond.

The 22-year-old, who is required to complete a counselling program covering violence against women, alcohol abuse and anger management, will miss next year's World Club Series against St Helens and at least 22 rounds of the 2015 NRL season.

"Let me make it clear we abhor violence against women and it will not be tolerated in our game," NRL CEO Dave Smith said in a statement on Thursday.

"Everyone needs to understand that if you are violent against women there is no place for you in Rugby League.

"We recognise that we also have a duty to help with rehabilitation where incidents occur and that is why it will be a condition of his return that Kirisome completes appropriate prevention treatment."

Smith added: "The NRL puts millions of dollars into welfare programmes, which include domestic violence, because there is no more important issue.

"So when incidents like this occur we have a dual role - to impose strong penalties and provide the necessary assistance to stop it happening again.

"And that is what we have done in this case."
Auva'a made 21 appearances in his first season for the Rabbitohs in 2014, helping the Sydney franchise to their first NRL title in 43 years.