NRL Integrity Unit investigating Corey Norman over alleged Sydney street brawl

Dragons star Corey Norman has released a statement about a Sydney street brawl, making claims of racism and knife possession.

The NRL are investigating a brawl that took place in Cronulla on Friday night.

Dragons star Corey Norman has issued a statement after he was identified by his club as the NRL star involved in an alleged Sydney street brawl on Friday night.

The league announced earlier on Monday the NRL Integrity Unit is investigating the Cronulla laneway incident.

In a bizarre joint statement from Norman’s YKTR Sports brand, Norman has now alleged one of his attackers threatened to pull out a knife towards the end of a fight.

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The NRL are investigating a brawl that took place in Cronulla on Friday night.

In a series of explosive accusations, the statement alleges the incident occurred after former NRL player James Segeyaro was racially abused by a group of four men.

The statement claims Norman and Segeyaro, a former Penrith and Cronulla star, had finished dinner with two women when they were accosted.

No charges have been laid over the incident.

“Chicko (Segeyaro) and Corey were involved in an altercation in Cronulla on Friday night,” the statement posted on the YKTR Instagram page claimed.

“Before the media have their opportunity to do their thing, we wanted to be fully transparent – here’s what happened: The two boys were walking home after a dinner with two females, when they were approached by a group of four men. One of whom began to racially abuse Chicko, calling him the N word.

The NRL are investigating a brawl that took place in Cronulla.

“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.”

The strange statement made no apology for the actions of Norman and Segeyaro for their involvement in the melee.

“As individuals and as a brand, we will always stand up against racism,” the statement said.

“Sometimes it’s as simple as re-sharing a post of 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.”

Video of the incident emerged on Sunday night.

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 Dragons also released a statement on Monday afternoon confirming the club is cooperating with the Integrity Unit investigation.

“The St George Illawarra Dragons are aware that Corey Norman was involved in an altercation on Friday night in Cronulla,” the statement claims.

“The Dragons are working with Corey and the NRL Integrity Unit to establish the facts around the matter.

“The club will make no further comment.”

The NRL is investigating a brawl allwegedly involving a high-profile player.

An NRL spokesman said earlier on Monday: “The NRL Integrity Unit is aware of the video and investigating the matter”.

The reports potentially further cloud Norman’s future in the NRL after he was reportedly linked with a trade to the English Super League last year — and was unwanted at the Dragons.

Norman was dropped by former coach Paul McGregor last year and is in the final year of his reported $850,000 per-season contract.

Norman was in 2016 fined $20,000 by the NRL over a range of indiscretions, including drug possession and his part in a sex tape scandal.

He was also fined $2000 by Parramatta in 2018 for drinking alcohol while sidelined with injury.