North Queensland Scott Bolton has broken his silence following alleged incident in Sydney

NORTH Queensland prop Scott Bolton has spoken publicly for the first time since being charged with indecent assault following an alleged incident at a Sydney nightspot on Saturday night.

BATHURST, AUSTRALIA — MAY 04: Scott Bolton of the Cowboys is tackled during the round nine AFL match between the Penrith Panthers and the North Queensland Cowboys at Carrington Park on May 4, 2018 in Bathurst, Australia. (Photo by Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images)

KANGAROOS coach Mal Meninga says Cowboys prop Scott Bolton should return to the field after he was cleared by the NRL to face the Tigers tomorrow night.

Bolton broke his silence, making a tearful statement after being charged with indecent assault following an alleged incident with a 49-year-old woman at a Sydney bar on Saturday night.

Bolton returned to Townsville on Sunday and appeared publicly for the first time yesterday at Cowboys headquarters.

In a short statement, the 2015 NRL premiership winner gave no indication of how he intends to plead when he faces a Sydney court on June 19.

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Bolton said he had been cleared to play while awaiting his court date.

“I understand that our members, partners and fans would like me to talk about the allegation that has been made against me,” Bolton said.

“However, since this is a matter that involves the police and the NRL integrity unit, I am unable to make any comments about the incident right now.

“What I can say is that I am taking the matter very seriously and co-operating fully with both the police and the NRL integrity unit.

“I have been approved to play by the NRL and the club during the investigation and so will work with the coach and our football department to decide whether I will play this week or not.”

Bolton broke down in tears reading a prepared statement to media. No questions. Would seem highly unlikely to play this week. #nrl

— Jon Tuxworth (@Tuxy81) May 8, 2018

Bolton was named in North Queensland’s No. 10 jersey for the Leichhardt Oval showdown with Wests.

Under NRL rules, Bolton had to be named in the 21-man squad if he was to be any chance of facing the Tigers.

Cowboys coach Paul Green is yet to make a decision on Bolton’s availability but given his emotional state yesterday, it seems unlikely the 215-game veteran will play.

The Cowboys have been in camp in Sydney since last Friday’s upset win against the Panthers while Bolton returned to Townsville.

While Bolton has not been stood down, Meninga said his mental state would have to be assessed before he returned to the field.

Bolton was charged on Sunday.

“Due process needs to take its course, at the moment it is innocent until proven guilty,” he said.

“It hasn’t been the best week for him but to play footy is probably the best option for him.

“He doesn’t want to let his teammates down and his mates don’t want to let him down.

“It will be interesting to see how he comes through mentally and how the team comes through mentally.

“They will address it and get on to playing rugby league.”

The Cowboys are short on front row stocks given Jordan McLean (foot) and John Asiata (pec) are sidelined.

Former Broncos prop Francis Molo could make his first NRL appearance for the Cowboys if Bolton is ruled out.

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