The NRL have denied Kotoni Staggs' return to the Broncos until Round 16 as the gun centre is required to complete education and personal rehabilitation programs across the next fortnight.
Staggs has been cleared to play by Brisbane's medical staff, but will have to wait on his return from an ACL injury sustained last year.
In a statement released on NRL.com, the league revealed that Staggs has received and accepted a $20,000 sanction within his breach notice.
"The National Rugby League (NRL) has today advised Brisbane Broncos player Kotoni Staggs that he will not be permitted to return to the NRL before Round 16 of the Telstra Premiership," the statement reads.Â
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"Staggs, who is now medically fit to play, must continue to complete education and personal rehabilitation programs over the next two weeks, to the satisfaction of the NRL, before being approved to return to the competition.
"Staggs has also been fined $20,000, of which a portion will be used to fund his rehabilitation and education programs.
"The sanction was handed down after Staggs engaged in disreputable conduct at a public venue in April this year.
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"Staggs has accepted the proposed sanction within the Breach Notice and has also met with the NRL."
Staggs is now set to make his long-awaited return for the Broncos when Brisbane face Cronulla at Suncorp Stadium on July 4.
