Corey Norman, James Segeyaro claim racial slurs led to fight

Corey Norman and James Segeyaro have claimed a horrific racial slur and threats of a knife being pulled were what led to a brawl that the NRL is now investigating.

The NRL is investigating a brawl allegedly involving a high-profile player in Cronulla on Friday night.

St George Illawarra star Corey Norman and former player James Segeyaro claim that a man threatened to pull a knife on them during a racially-charged street brawl that is now under investigation by the NSW Police and NRL integrity unit.

Footage emerged of an incident in Cronulla last Friday night, showing a group of men exchanging punches. Norman and Segeyaro have since confirmed their involvement, although their actions are unclear, based on the vision.

The NRL integrity unit interviewed Dragons five-eighth Norman on Monday, shortly before the pair released a joint statement.

James Segeyaro.

Corey Norman.

“The two boys were walking home after a dinner with two females, when they were approached by a group of four men,” the Instagram statement on their clothing company account YKTR (You Know The Rules) said.

“One of whom began to racially abuse Chicko, calling him the N-word.

“An argument ensued, and Corey came in to defuse the situation.

“He was then blind-sided, and a fight broke out.

“It had all but broken up, when one of them threatened to pull a knife.”

Police have confirmed they are now investigating the alleged street fight after the video emerged in media reports.

“About 9.40pm on Friday police responded to reports of a brawl in Surf Lane at Cronulla. They patrolled the area however the group had dispersed prior to their arrival,” a police spokeswoman said.

“Officers from Sutherland Police Area Command are making enquiries into the matter.”

The NRL integrity unit will also now seek out witnesses, including the person who filmed the grainy video, to verify the pair’s account of what happened.

The NRL Integrity Unit is investigating claims a high-profile player and a former player were involved in a street brawl in Cronulla on Friday night. Video has surfaced showing around eight people arguing in a laneway before punches were thrown. https://t.co/TWh1KQycs4 #7NEWS pic.twitter.com/5nkONyKHJV

— 7NEWS Sydney (@7NewsSydney) January 24, 2021

“The NRL Integrity Unit is aware of the video and is investigating the matter,” an NRL spokesman said, although Segeyaro’s involvement is not part of that probe because he is not a contracted NRL player.

The Dragons on Monday confirmed they were aware of the incident and would work with their representative half and the NRL to get to the bottom of the matter.

“As individuals and as a brand we will always stand up against racism,” Norman and Segeyaro’s statement continued.

“Sometimes it’s as simple as re-sharing a post or making a video. Other times, it means defending yourself.

“Although we don’t condone violence, if there is a time to fight, then let it be against racism, protecting female company and having your friend’s back.

“Corey let his club know the next morning, and we have been in touch with the RLPA regarding the incident.”

An Instagram post from the YKTR label.

Norman claims he blindsided.

The NRL has not put a timeline on concluding its investigation, or what – if any – sanctions Norman could face.

Melbourne Storm front-rower Nelson Asofa-Solomona was suspended for three Test matches and handed a $15,000 suspended fine for his role in the Bali brawl in 2019.

Despite Asofa-Solomona claiming to have acted in self-defence after then-Storm teammate Suliasi Vunivalu was king hit, the NRL integrity unit found the Kiwi forward was still at fault.

In a statement at the time, the NRL said: “The sanctions take into account evidence which showed a degree of provocation contributed to the incident, Asofa-Solomona’s co-operation with the NRL investigation and the remorse he has shown.

“All clubs were advised prior to the start of the off-season that serious penalties would be imposed for all off-field incidents. The NRL expects exemplary behaviour from all players and any player who falls short of that standard will be sanctioned.”

Segeyaro and Norman are good friends and business partners, along with former Penrith player Isaac John, in YKTR.

Corey Norman and James Segeyaro together.

The pair run the YKTR fashion label together.

Norman, who is one of the highest-paid players in rugby league, is in the final year of a three-year deal at the Dragons worth $850,000 a season.

It’s understood the Dragons were looking to offload Norman last year but he appears to have the support of new St George Illawarra coach Anthony Griffin, who worked with the playmaker during his first two seasons in first grade at Brisbane from 2010.

Griffin was asked about getting the best out of the 29-year-old Norman earlier this month in News Corp’s exclusive Coach’s Clipboard series.

“He has obviously still got some unlocked potential in him so that is a challenge for him and for myself and the staff, to find that,” Griffin said.

Norman told The Daily Telegraph last September that he supported the appointment of Griffin to succeed Paul McGregor at the helm of the Dragons after he beat a long line of contenders including assistant coach Dean Young.

“The club needed a fresh face to come in as a coach,” Norman said.

“Someone from the outside and they got Hook. I have had him before and he will do the job. I’m happy.”

It’s been a relatively scandal-free off season by NRL standards with the alleged brawl coming on the back of Brisbane star Payne Haas getting arrested and charged by police following an incident in Tweed Heads earlier this month.

The big prop was charged with intimidating police and using offensive language during a drunken night out.