NRL integrity unit investigating rape claim made against Queensland-based player

The Queensland club which employs the former State of Origin player who has been accused of rape has reported the matter to the NRL integrity unit.

A general view of NRL headquarters in Moore Park. Picture: Getty Images

The NRL integrity unit has launched an investigation into allegations a high-profile Queensland-based NRL star has been accused of rape.

This masthead can reveal the Queensland club which employs the player, who has played State of Origin, has reported the matter to the NRL integrity unit.

League Central was rocked by a Channel 9 news report on Wednesday that Queensland police were investigating allegations of sexual assault by an NRL-contracted player.

Police officers attended the player’s residence for questioning on Tuesday night to discuss an alleged rape incident.

It is understood the NRL player at the centre of the probe and a woman had been drinking heavily on the night in question.

The NRL Integrity Unit is investigating the allegations. Picture: Damian Shaw

The woman later made a formal complaint to police claiming she was digitally raped.

The Queensland franchise was made aware of the allegations and has since reported the matter to the NRL integrity unit, as is standard practice for clubs when off-field incidents occur.

The player remains contracted to a Queensland NRL club.

At this stage, no charges have been laid by Queensland police, who are continuing investigations on Thursday.

NRL officials, including chief executive Andrew Abdo, were not aware of the incident when the report first went to air on Wednesday night.

“These are very serious allegations,” Abdo said.

“We are working with the relevant parties to find out more, and obviously as we find out more, we’ll be able to say more.

“At this stage, all I can say is that it’s very disappointing to hear about these allegations that are very serious.

“We have policies in place to deal with these things should they eventuate. We’ll deal with the facts once we know more.”

The allegations have rocked rugby league on the eve of Magic Round.

Abdo said it was too early to implement the NRL’s no-fault stand-down policy which was brought in five years ago for players who have been charged with serious criminal offences that involve a maximum jail term of 11 years or more.

“It’s all speculation at the moment so I can’t really comment on it until we know all the facts,” he said.

“Once we know the facts, we can make decisions based around our policies and respecting the relevant legislation as well.”

The Queensland Police service has been approached for comment.

The allegations involve a yet to be identified high-profile player who is contracted to a Queensland NRL club.

The drama comes on the eve of the NRL’s showcase four-day Magic Round event at Suncorp Stadium this weekend, which has sold out.

Originally published as NRL integrity unit investigating rape claim made against Queensland-based player