Axed Sydney Roosters centre BJ Leilua will have to sit out the first four matches of next year's NRL season regardless of which club he signs for.

The ARLC has announced it will impose a conditional registration on any contract submitted for Leilua that he cannot play until after round four.

The ban is in response to Leilua being found to have sent a naked photo of his ex-girlfriend to her brother and best friend and being placed on a one-year good behaviour bond with no conviction recorded.

Leilua was cleared of assaulting his ex-girlfriend.

The 21-year-old was on Tuesday released from the final two years of his Roosters contract and is now expected to sign with the Newcastle Knights once the ARLC officially announces an increase to the 2013 salary cap.

The NRL say they had been in the process of conducting a review of penalties and procedures imposed by the Roosters when he was terminated by the club.

"The matter proven in court is one that nobody can or should support," said NRL Interim Chief Executive, Shane Mattiske.

"Respectful relationships and the dangers of misusing social media are key elements of our education programs and BJ has been a part of those programs.

"The timing of the October court case was such that we gave the Roosters considerable opportunity to look at all aspects and report to the NRL.

"No matter if the player had stayed at the Roosters or gone to another club, we believe the original act, now proven in court, warrants the player being stood out of the game for some period.

"We will also seek assurances that any future club ensures that BJ participates in education programs to assist in learning from this experience."

- AAP