An apprehended violence order (AVO) taken out against former Sydney Roosters star Jake Friend to protect his wife, Jenna Kallin, has been withdrawn by Burwood Local Court, clearing the way for his return to the club. Friend, a three-time premiership winner, had been stood down from his coaching role since the order was issued last December following an alleged drunken incident at the couple's home, and appeared in court on Monday seeking to have it dismissed.

The court was told Ms Kallin was at work and did not attend, with Friend's lawyer, Paul McGirr, stating she had never wanted the AVO and had probably not been subpoenaed. Prosecutors agreed to the withdrawal after her non-attendance, following a brief exchange in which Judge Garry Still mistakenly believed Friend had played halfback rather than hooker. Friend, who played 264 games for the Roosters before retiring in 2021 due to concussions, had led the club's academy and pathways programme before being stood down, and his lawyer said the outcome meant it was "time to move on".