Polair called to support police after wild brawl in Brisbane junior rugby league at Rochedale South

A POLICE helicopter and several back up units needed to control an all-in brawl at a Brisbane junior rugby league match at the weekend.

A POLICE helicopter and several back up units were needed to control an all-in brawl at a junior rugby league match at Rochedale South on Sunday.

The incident happened during the Greater Brisbane Junior Rugby League (GBJRL) under-18 division two south semi-final between Greenbank and Beenleigh involving players and spectators.

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GBJRL manager Shane McNally said there would be an investigation into the brawl, which happened at Underwood Park.

“The full details of the incident are not known yet, we are talking to several people to get the full information but there will be an investigation for sure,” he said.

“There doesn’t appear to have been many incidents like this this year but the number isn’t the issue, the issue is that it is still happening and it needs to stop.”

The respective presidents from both clubs said they were unable to comment.

Logan police said officers were diverted away from other jobs in the area to attend the scene at around 3pm after receiving reports of a disturbance involving a number of people.

Senior Sergeant Geoff Thomas said the incident took place on the field after the match.

He said there had been previous aggravation between the teams and between family members which spilled onto the field.

“”There was abuse towards the referee from people who didn’t agree with the outcome of the match.

“Four crews attended in total and Polair, which was in the vicinity at the time, conducted a flyover.”

Sen Sgt Thomas said two people were escorted from the field and issued with Notices to Appear for public nuisance.

Greenbank won the match 21-20.

There have been several incidents of brawls at junior sport across the country in recent months, with the South Australian Government going as far as making advertisements to campaign against the behaviour.