Josh Reynolds cleared after police drop charges

Josh Reynolds has been cleared of domestic violence allegations after NSW Police dropped charges against the Wests Tigers utility on Wednesday.

Reynolds had been charged with one count of assault occasioning actual bodily harm against his former partner Arabella Del Busso.

But police told the 30-year-old the charge would no longer be pursued, with Reynolds maintaining his innocence since the allegations were made last September.

In a club statement, the Tigers said Reynolds was "relieved this matter is now behind him and is fully focused" on preparing for the trial against the Warriors on Sunday.

“This news comes as a great relief to Josh as well as our club,” Wests Tigers CEO Justin Pascoe said.

“Josh has carried himself extremely well throughout what has no doubt been a very stressful time for him and his family, and we look forward to him continuing to play a key role for this club on and off the field in the years to come.”

He returned to playing duties for the first time since being charged in Saturday's trial loss to Penrith, playing 60 minutes at five-eighth and hooker.

Reynolds had been due to appear before court again on February 29, but had already been given NRL clearance to play first grade after being advised he would not be subject to the game’s discretionary no-fault stand down.

"The last nine weeks since I was charged have been one of the most tumultuous and difficult periods of my life," Reynolds said in a statement released by his lawyers.

"During this time my personal life was aired to the public and most importantly my character and principles were questioned. While I am relieved, I believe the charges against me should never have been brought.

"I was always an innocent man and I am happy the legal system has proved this. I am relieved in the fact that I can now get on with my life and move forward."

The former NSW Origin winner spoke of his relief at returning to the field after the Tigers' trial loss to Penrith on the weekend.

"I was in a bit of a bad place when [my immediate playing future] was up in the air. Footy's my release," Reynolds said.

"I was definitely a bit worried. For the NRL to back me and put their faith in me I suppose, it's a great feeling. Just to step over the white line tonight despite the result was an awesome feeling.

"It all comes down to [that] everything's not black and white. I'm just happy that they understood. I was really, really hoping that they were going to come with me. I was on the front foot, I had nothing to hide and I never have."

With his playing future assured Reynolds is in contention for both the Tigers No.9 jersey and a bench utility role leading into round one.