An apprehended violence order (AVO) taken out by police against Sydney Roosters star Jake Friend to protect his wife has been withdrawn. Friend appeared at Burwood Local Court on Monday to contest the AVO, which was initiated by police on behalf of his wife, Jenna Kallin, last December.
The club legend had been on leave from the Roosters after being stood down when the allegations first surfaced. His legal team applied to the court for the order to be dismissed.
During the court proceedings, it was noted that Ms. Kallin was at work and would not be attending. Friend's lawyer, Paul McGirr, stated that she had not wanted the AVO and doubted she had been subpoenaed. Prosecutors consented to the withdrawal after Ms. Kallin's non-attendance.
Friend's lawyer indicated that "common sense prevailed" and expressed happiness with the withdrawal, stating it was "time to move on." Friend himself commented that he was "going home to [his] family."
The withdrawal of the AVO clears the path for Friend's reinstatement to the Roosters coaching staff. He had been serving as head coach of the club's academy and pathways program but took leave when the AVO was issued.
Friend played 264 games for the Roosters before retiring in 2021 due to multiple concussions. The police order reportedly stemmed from an alleged drunken incident at the couple's home. At the time the AVO was taken out, Mr. McGirr asserted that "there was no violence whatsoever."