NSW Police under investigation over violent arrest of NRL star Tom Starling

Three NSW Police officers will face criminal investigations following a brawl in the Central Coast that left NRL star Tom Starling bloodied and bruised.

Three NSW Police officers will face criminal investigations following a brawl in the Central Coast that left NRL star Tom Starling bloodied and bruised.

NSW Police Commission Karen Webb confirmed that criminal investigations conducted by the Professional Standards Command are underway.

“Professional Standards Command is leading a criminal investigation into the actions of police x 3 involved,” Commissioner Webb said in a message to 2GB.

“Legal advice is pending for two officers.

“The third officer has been served a notice of intent to conduct a criminal investigation and we(‘re) awaiting his response from his solicitor.”

Tom Starling getting punched by a police officer at Shady Palms hotel in late 2020.

He was punched a number of times by the police officer.

The Canberra Raiders hooker was charged alongside his brothers Jackson and Josh following a brawl at the Shady Palms Hotel in Avoca in 2020, which resulted in Tom being punched in the face by officers.

He was hit with seven charges and was accused of trying to “grab an officer’s gun.”

NRL player Tom Starling was cleared of any wrongdoings in court. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Damian Shaw

But Starling was cleared of any wrongdoings after security footage appeared to corroborate the rugby league player’s version of events.

The mother of Tom Starling said their legal fight to clear his name had taken its toll on the family.

“It’s been a tough few years for all of us, just not us but our extended family and friends that stood by us,” Joanne Starling said to Ben Fordham on the 2GB radio show on Wednesday.

“It’s definitely taken its toll on us.”

Tom Starling also hit out against NSW Police, pointing to the struggles his family were forced to endure in the fallout of the incident.

Tom Starling detailed his run in with NSW Police on 2GB this morning. Picture: Supplied

“It’s pretty upsetting to see really mate, it’s changed my family forever financially and emotionally, “ he told Ben Fordham on the 2GB radio show on Wednesday.

“I don’t think we’ll ever be the same after the events that happened that night and I think other people in attendance of that party as well have changed their views on what the NSW Police can do.”

Starling was relieved when Ben Fordham informed him live during his radio show that police are investigating the officers involved in the brawl.

Tom Starling plays an important role as hooker for the Canberra Raiders. Picture: Cameron Spencer/Getty Images

Canberra Raiders player Tom Starling after the incident with police on the Central Coast. Picture: Supplied

“That’s really good to hear, it’s been a long time coming,” he said.

“It was sort of hard to hear that they were still out there supposedly protecting people when they’ve got that capability to do that to someone.

“It’s good to hear that they’re finally getting brought to justice.”

Raiders coach Ricky Stuart said he’s always backed his player throughout the process and not all off-field incidents involving rugby league players should be viewed negatively.

“There’s a lot of good rugby players out there too, it’s not always a negative,” Stuart told Ben Fordham on Wednesday.

“There’s a lot of rugby league players, a lot of policemen out there that do the right thing mate.”