Broncos and Queensland forward Joe Ofahengaue charged over alcohol-fuelled offence
Brisbane Broncos’ pre-season has hit a snag with a Queensland State of Origin forward hit with an alcohol-fuelled charge by police. He also faces club sanctions.
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Broncos forward Joe Ofahengaue is under investigation by the NRL Integrity Unit after being charged by police in an alcohol-related incident which has further marred the club’s off-season.
The 24-year-old was charged Saturday night after he was found sleeping in his parked car following a house party in Brisbane’s south-west.
He has not been accused of drink-driving, but was charged with being in control of a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol.
The matter has been referred to the NRL Integrity Unit for further investigation and the Origin prop is also likely to face a club-imposed fine as a result of the alcohol-related event.
It is the second time this off season that a Broncos player has been referred to the NRL Integrity Unit after teen sensation David Fifita was locked up in a Bali prison last November.
Fifita allegedly hit a security guard at La Favela nightclub in Seminyak on November 9 which led to a three-day incarceration inside a Bali jail cell before being released back to Australia.
He escaped any disciplinary action from the NRL Integrity Unit because of a lack of evidence relating to the incident.
Ofahengaue is expected to be handed a fine by the Broncos if found guilty.
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“The Brisbane Broncos are aware of a motor vehicle-related offence involving forward Joe Ofahengaue,” the club said in a statement.
“The NRL’s Integrity Unit was immediately informed of the incident and the Broncos are working with authorities on the matter.
“With respect to the legal process, no further comment will be made at this time.”
It is the third brush with law for the recently engaged father-to-be, who has been involved in several driving infringements.
He was fined $250 in 2016 but escaped a recorded conviction for driving with a suspended licence and was subsequently disqualified from driving for one month.
In 2017, he was also involved in a bizarre casino incident in which he tried to slip a $100 chip underneath a $15 chip during a game of poker.
The incident at the weekend has been described as “very minor” but comes just days after the Broncos celebrated fan-favourite and club stalwart Alex Glenn being named captain for the 2020 season.
Ofahengaue has become one of Brisbane’s best young forwards, with a 2019 season average of 106 metres per game and 22 tackle breaks from his 20 matches.
He also made his Origin debut for the Maroons last year and found out his partner Sofi Leota was pregnant with their “miracle” first child.