Paul Kent suffers suspected collapsed lung and broken rib after pub fight

Rugby league host Paul Kent is being treated in hospital after appearing to be involved in a fight outside a pub on Saturday night.

NRL journalist Paul Kent is in hospital suffering a suspected collapsed lung and up to five broken ribs after appearing to become embroiled in a fight outside a Sydney pub on Saturday night.

Footage emerged on Sunday morning of 54-year-old Kent becoming involved in a melee outside the Totti’s restaurant at 3 Weeds Rozelle, appearing to show the reporter and another man trading blows on the street.

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Kent was later flung into a tree by the other man and landing upside down in the gutter.

The Sydney Morning Herald reported that Kent had been hurt in the incident and admitted to hospital.

Kent’s lawyer George Elias said the reporter was undergoing tests to determine whether he had a collapsed lung, adding he also had between four and five broken ribs.

“He’s been in hospital since after the incident,” Mr Elias said. “I’m just concerned about his health and wellbeing.”

Kent has since been stood down by Fox Sports Australia and News Corp Australia “pending an immediate investigation”, a statement on Sunday read.

A 35-year-old man was charged on a single count of affray for the incident before being given conditional bail to appear before Downing Centre Local Court on June 7.

The man also suffered an injury to his head after being tackled by a third man.

In a statement, police said investigations into the incident were still ongoing.

Neither Kent nor the third man has been charged.

Paul Kent on NRL 360.

Paul Kent. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Nikki Short

In the footage that was widely circulated on X, Kent and another man appear to be involved in an argument while other patrons and security staff attempt to separate them.

The two men appear to call each other “dog”, and a person can be heard on the recording saying, “it’s not worth it, Kenty”.

Kent then appears to push away from one person attempting to hold him back before approaching the other man, who was wearing a black shirt.

The two swing their arms at each other and grapple as they move onto the street, the footage shows.

Kent is a high-profile journalist in rugby league circles as a columnist for The Daily Telegraph and has appeared on Fox Sports NRL 360 for several years.

Fox Sports’ broadcaster Foxtel and The Telegraph are owned by News Corp Australia, which also owns news.com.au.