Melbourne Storm star Nelson Asofa-Solomona will be free to play in the opening round of the NRL next season, despite being handed a three-match suspension following a violent altercation while on holiday in Bali.
A video published on social media on Sunday night appeared to show Asofa-Solomona swinging punches during a brawl outside a nightclub.
The NRL's suspension will cover the three upcoming Test matches Asofa-Solomona was due to play for New Zealand — one against Australia and two against Great Britain — meaning he will be available for the Storm's opening fixture next year.
He was also issued with a suspended $15,000 fine.
Asofa-Solomona said he regretted his involvement, but highlighted he was retaliating to an alleged incident involving Storm teammate Suliasi Vunivalu.
"Looking back on this incident, could this have been handled differently?" he said in a statement.
"Yes, I could have picked up Suli and got out of there. Unfortunately, that is not the way this played out.
"I understand that as a Storm and NRL player, I'm a role model for kids and I want them to know that meeting violence with violence is not the solution."
The NRL said the punishment handed to Asofa-Solomona was consistent with its stance on off-field incidents involving players.
"The sanctions take into account evidence which showed a degree of provocation contributed to the incident, Asofa-Solomona's cooperation with the NRL investigation and the remorse he has shown," an NRL statement read.
"All clubs were advised prior to the start of the off-season that serious penalties would be imposed for all off-field incidents.
"The NRL expects exemplary behaviour from all players and any player who falls short of that standard will be sanctioned."
The NRL beefed up the investigative powers of its integrity unit in 2015 after two players were caught up in an altercation with a security guard in the United States.
The changes gave the unit the power to compel clubs and players to fully cooperate with investigations, including providing phone records.
Asofa-Solomona, 23, plays prop for the Storm and has been with the club for five seasons.
