Cairns league player Eddie Epseg on trial for allegedly raping woman with a bottle

A Cairns rugby league player has pleaded not guilty to eight rape charges over an alleged incident in August 2022.

Eddie Epseg has denied all allegations against him.

A Cairns rugby league player is defending eight rape charges at trial over an alleged incident in August 2022.

Eddie Elia Comi Dap Epseg, a landscaper who has represented several clubs in the FNQ Rugby League competition, denies raping a woman several times including with a bottle.

Mr Epseg, who is listed on the Southern Suburbs Rugby League Club’s Facebook page as a “new signing for 2022” while appearing in a Kangaroos Rugby League jersey, denies all the allegations.

Eddie Epsig has been charged on eight counts of rape as well as one count choking and attempted rape.

On Tuesday, a 12-member jury was empanelled to hear the evidence over a three-day trial due to finish on Friday.

In addition to the eight rape charges, he also faces one count of attempted rape and one of choking all alleged to have occurred in a single incident in Parramatta Park in 2022.

Crown prosecutor Rachel Boivin told the court the “crucial issue in this matter will be consent”.

The matter will continue on Wednesday.

News Corp notes that Mr Epseg never played a single game for the Southern Suburbs Rugby League Club.

Originally published as Cairns league player Eddie Epseg on trial for allegedly raping woman with a bottle