South Sydney coach Jason Demetriou is urging the NRL to clear the path for Anthony Milford to return to the game.
Milford was set to join the Rabbitohs ahead of this season, before a bungled contract and then assault charges against him thwarted that plan.
Those charges were dropped last week, and the Bunnies no longer have a spot for him, but Newcastle is keen on bringing the 2015 grand final star to the Hunter.
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The NRL, though, is still investigating the incident which led to the assault charges in the first place, and the governing body is blocking Milford’s return.
“He’s paid his dues, now let the kid play some footy. Anthony got himself into an incident he didn’t need to get himself into, but he’s done his time,” Demetriou told the Sydney Morning Herald.
“He and his family have paid a really heavy price, and the NRL should look to register him and let him play some footy.
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“A lot has gone on during that time here at Souths, but if a club like Newcastle are keen to sign him, I don’t see why anyone is stopping him.
“He’s only 27, he’s a 10-year player, someone who earned $1 million a season, played in grand finals, played Origin and has given the game so much. It’s time for the game to support him as well. He’s paid his dues – let the kid play some footy.
“I want to see him playing, 100 per cent.”
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