The NRL confirmed Corey Norman was free to play in 2017 after the controversial Parramatta playmaker had his drug possession conviction overturned in a Sydney court on Thursday.

The Eels star was stood down for the rest of the 2016 season after pleading guilty in July to possessing a prohibited drug and possessing a prescribed restricted substance.

But on Thursday the 25-year-old Norman had his conviction for drug offences struck from his record after a successful appeal in the Downing Centre Local Court in Sydney.

He was issued with a Section 10 order ensuring no conviction which also left him free to travel overseas.

An NRL spokesman said there was nothing stopping Norman from running out in Eels colours next season.

“The ban related to several matters, not just the drug matter,” the spokesman told AAP.

“He has now served the penalty.”

Norman was suspended by the NRL for eight matches and fined $20,000 in July for a range of indiscretions that also included his part in a sex tape scandal and a police warning for consorting with criminals.

Norman’s suspension added to a nightmare Eels season that included losing 12 competition points for salary cap infringements and personal issues impacting ex-captain Kieran Foran and high-flying winger Semi Radradra.