Northern beaches rugby league match abandoned after ugly all-in brawl

A ground manager who was allegedly punched in the head during an ugly mass on-field brawl at a suburban footy game on Sydney’s northern beaches at the weekend could press charges after police confirmed they were trying to contact him.

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Players from a northern beaches rugby league team were forced to take shelter in their dressing room after a wild on-field fight last weekend.

Shocking footage has emerged of an all-in brawl between Narrabeen and western Sydney-based St John’s Eagles at Narrabeen’s Lake Park on Sunday, where a ground manager was allegedly assaulted and referees had to abandon the A-Grade match 12 minutes before full-time

The NSW Rugby League has launched an immediate and urgent investigation with offending players facing suspensions of up to 10 years.

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A brawl between Narrabeen and St Johns Merrylands A-Grade players.

It is understood the fight started on the field before spilling into the crowd where coaches and managers intervened as frightened children watched on.

“The incident will be dealt with in the severest possible terms,” NSWRL chief executive David Trodden said on Monday.

Sideline video footage from a mobile phone shows one St Johns player — wearing jumper number 12 — abusing and intimidating Narrabeen fans, yelling: “Shut your f … ing mouth. Who wants a go? Let’s go you f … ing bitches. Go on, record me (on your phone) you f … ing dog.”

Ground manager Steve Avey was allegedly punched in the head.

A NSW Police spokeswoman said investigators were trying to speak with Mr Avey to see if he wanted to pursue the criminal charges.

“Police are attempting to contact the ground manager who was officiating on the day,” she said.

“Enquiries are continuing.”

The trigger for the brawl came when a St John’s Eagles player kicked out and tripped a Narrabeen forward.

Ground manager Steve Avey holds an ice pack to his face. Photo: Supplied

Narrabeen Sharks supporter Eamonn Donnelly watched the “pretty violent” scene unfold.

“It was a massive all-in brawl,” Donnelly said. “It spilt over onto the bench and then the managers and coaches were involved. They were ugly scenes for junior rugby league.

“The whole thing escalated and got right out of hand. It wasn’t a good look. You didn’t know where to look — there were fights breaking out everywhere.

“The Narrabeen people ended up locking their team in the sheds after the game until all the St John’s guys had left.

“They did that as a precaution as soon as ground managers got control. The referees got them apart and then the Narrabeen boys were marched into the sheds.

“The St Johns boys were hanging around and carrying on. It just erupted with about 15 minutes to go and they called the game off. I didn’t see it but I’m told the ground manager got punched in the head.”

The game erupts into a brawl while onlookers record on their phones.

St Johns Eagle’s president Nasser Matta said he was aware of the incident.

“NSW Rugby League has been in touch was us and told us we can’t comment,” he said.

“They are investigating.”

He wouldn’t put The Daily Telegraph in contact with the player seen remonstrating with people in the crowd.

“He has been told he cannot comment either,” he said.

Another spectator told The Daily Telegraph: “It was just disgraceful. St John’s players were intimidating parents, families and kids.

“Two girls there on a picnic rug. They didn’t need to see that.”

Trodden has been made aware of the drama and was gathering witness evidence.

“We are aware of an incident but we aren’t yet aware of all the details,” Trodden said. “The NSWRL is investigating at the moment.

“If the initial reports are accurate then we expect that breach notices will be issued and the incident will be dealt with in the severest possible terms.”

One St John’s player confronted onlookers.

Narrabeen officials were shattered the drama occurred in front of female supporters and children.

“One of the St John’s boys ran over and wanted to fight some of the board riders on the other side,” Donnelly said. “It was just ugly.

“It was festering away all game. Maybe the ref just lost control at the end — he needed to get a few of the trouble makers off the field.”

Sharks coach Frank McKee preferred not to comment until he saw a NSWRL charge sheet.

St John’s do not have a set home ground and play at various ovals around Sydney’s west. The Manly A-Grade competition has essentially folded, pushing the remaining clubs, including Narrabeen, into a Sydney-wide competition.