Nepean v The Hills NSW Police footy match erupts in brawl at St Marys Leagues Club

A group of off duty officers’ passion for rugby league got the better of them when a brawl erupted during a match between two Sydney area commands. See the video.

Police are usually the ones who break up fights, but a group of off duty officers’ passion for rugby league got the better of them when a heated brawl erupted during a match between two suburban Sydney area commands.

A team of officers from Nepean Police Area Command was lining up against The Hills Police Area Command’s team when the melee broke out moments after a Nepean player was on the receiving end of a big tackle while playing at St Marys Leagues Club recently.

Mobile phone footage taken from the crowd showed several players becoming involved before other players and volunteers watching on helped break the two sides up.

Players’ jerseys were grabbed at the neck during the fracas and at one point one man can be seen landing a punch on another’s face.

Fortunately, the match was being looked after by an experienced pair of hands, with former leading NRL referee Sean Hampstead overseeing the match.

A melee ensues at the ‘friendly’ match between The Hills and Nepeans police commends.

Some senior NSW Police were also present at the game.

It’s understood the players involved in the blue were spoken to by higher ups in NSW Police afterwards.

The match was held during a tournament called Mate v Mate, which involved six teams from northwestern Sydney suburbs.

The video of the fight was uploaded to Facebook page Penrith Police Rugby League before quickly being taken down.

It is understood the players involved were spoken to about the brawl by superiors. Picture: Supplied

A NSW Police spokeswoman told The Daily Telegraph on Sunday the force stood against violence.

“Violence is not acceptable at any time and the involved players have already been spoken with in regard to their behaviour during the match,” she said.

Despite what unfolded, the administrators of the Penrith Police Rugby League page were optimistic new police area commands would get involved next year.

“Thanks to all the team managers for organising each team and the players turning up and having a go,” Penrith Police Rugby League wrote online.

“Already looking forward to next year and always looking for new Local Area Commands to enter a team.”