NRL 2022: Police question Wests Tigers Tuki Simpkins after car accident

Wests Tigers have confirmed an unlicensed rising forward handed himself into police after fleeing from a car accident.

Rookie Wests Tigers forward Tuki Simpkins is set to hand himself into police. Picture: NRL Photos

The Wests Tigers have confirmed NSW Police have questioned rising forward Tuki Simpkins for fleeing the scene of a car accident over the weekend in Auburn.

It’s believed Simpkins was unlicensed at the time of the accident in the early of Sunday morning.

The Tigers notified the NRL of the incident on Monday afternoon and that the rookie had handed himself in for questioning.

The 20-year old was driving a car, with other passengers inside including players from the Tigers’ Jersey Flegg side, to McDonalds. There is a McDonalds restaurant in Auburn and in neighbouring Lidcombe.

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It’s not believed that Simpkins was under the influence of alcohol at the time of the accident.

A police statement confirmed emergency services were called to an incident involving a car at 1.10am on Sunday morning at the corner of Park Road and Vaughan Street, Auburn.

Police attended the scene after reports a Holden Commodore had crashed into a wall and a traffic control box. Police were told a number of people were seen running from the vehicle after the incident.

The police statement also confirmed a 20-year old man from Auburn attended Auburn police station at about 1pm on Monday and he was released pending further inquiries.

Rookie Wests Tigers forward Tuki Simpkins is set to hand himself into police. Picture: NRL Photos

Tigers Chairman Lee Hagipantelis told The Daily Telegraph “given the matter is with the police, it would be inappropriate to make any comment” when contacted on Monday evening.

The club released a statement confirming the incident had taken place.

“Wests Tigers have been made aware of an incident involving NRL player Tukimihia Simpkins. The club has alerted the NRL to the matter and will continue to work with the NRL Integrity Unit as needed,” the statement said.

“As this remains an ongoing legal matter, the club will make no further comment at the time.”

It’s believed Simpkins decided to turn himself in after the owner of the car, who is Simpkins’ roommate, was also questioned by police about the accident after it happened.

The NRL told The Daily Telegraph the Integrity Unit is also investigating the incident.

The New Zealand born Simpkins made his NRL debut last year and played five games in his rookie season.

The highly regarded prospect was granted a release from the North Queensland Cowboys to join the Wests Tigers on a three-year deal in season 2021.

Earlier this month, forward Zane Musgrove pleaded guilty to a driving charge after he was caught behind the wheel of a BWM last November in beachside suburb Maroubra.

Musgrove’s licence was suspended for three months at the time he was stopped by police late last year.