Confusion as Walsh, Smith get NRL reprieve

The NRL has come under fire for perceived inconsistencies and creating mass confusion after Brandon Smith and Reece Walsh were retrospectively able to count All Stars absences to serve their respective bans.

Smith will be able to return for Melbourne in round one against Canberra, despite being suspended for one-match at the end of last year after being captured on video with a white-powder substance.

Walsh, who accepted a two-game ban in the off-season for a drug possession charge, will be able to play in round two for the Warriors after also sitting out the All Stars clash.

The exemptions come after Latrell Mitchell was allowed to count the All Stars match as part of his six-game ban for his high hit on Joey Manu last year.

Mitchell's exemption differed, however, in that it was counted after an application to the judiciary chairman from South Sydney, as part of a rule that has long surrounded representative matches in rugby league.

Smith and Walsh's bans were related to off-field matters, with the duo suspended by their respective club and the integrity unit rather than the judiciary.

Smith's offence -- while in a hotel room with some fellow Melbourne players during last year's finals -- will now no have impact on-field repercussions as he will not miss any game time for the Storm.

"It was certainly very tough to miss out on playing with my Maori brothers and not getting the chance to enjoy the All Stars week," Smith said in a statement.

"I continue to take the steps I need to put last year's events behind me, to improve myself and I'm grateful to have the chance to be part of round one."

The decision has sparked anger from Canberra coach Ricky Stuart, who claimed he was told before the All Stars match that it could