Noosa Pirates player charged over attack at Sunshine Coast rugby game

A Noosa rugby league player will face court after an alleged assault left his victim requiring multiple facial surgeries. SEE THE VIDEO

A Noosa rugby league player has been charged with grievous bodily harm following an on-field incident during a preliminary final earlier this season.

It is alleged that Noosa Pirates player Keegan McKinnon punched Caloundra Sharks player Cooper Paul on the chin off the ball during a Sunshine Coast Rugby League reserve grade preliminary final at the Sunshine Coast Stadium on September 7.

A Queensland Police Service spokeswoman said a man was charged following the incident in Bokarina.

“Police will allege the man punched the victim during a sports game at a facility on Sportsman Parade around 4pm,” she said.

The moment Keegan McKinnon allegedly punches an opposition player, leaving him with a broken jaw. Picture: BarTV Sports

The police spokeswoman said the victim was transported to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

She said a 22-year-old Kulangoor man was arrested on November 7 and charged with one count of grievous bodily harm.

Players remonstrate with Keegan McKinnon (left, in blue with long hair) shortly after the alleged punch. Picture: BarTV Sports

McKinnon has since been handed a 12-month suspension from the SCGRL senior competition.

The victim required surgery after suffering a broken jaw in two places.

A GoFundMe to help raise money for Paul was set up at the time and the Maroochydore Swans also helped support Paul through their charity fight night last month.

Both Noosa and Caloundra have been approached for comment.

The police spokeswoman said McKinnon was due to appear in the Maroochydore Magistrates Court on December 12.