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Josh Addo-Carr knocked out in all-in brawl at Koori Knockout

Police are investigating a vicious rugby league match on the Central Coast on Saturday in which NRL superstar Josh Addo-Carr was involved in multiple fights.

Crowd reacts to brawl at Koori Knockout

Police are investigating a vicious rugby league match on the Central Coast on Saturday in which NRL superstar Josh Addo-Carr was involved in multiple fights.

A series of brawls erupted in the match between Addo-Carr’s team, Sydney All Blacks, and Walgett at the Koori Knockout.

The main fight erupted in the second half when the Bulldogs flyer reacted to an opposition player who was being “lippy” and overly aggressive.

“The other player slapped Addo-Carr overly hard in the head,” the witness said.

“Addo-Carr then shaped up and destroyed him. He didn’t start it but he threw the first punch.”

It’s understood the Bulldsogs were unaware of the incident. (Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)
It’s understood the Bulldsogs were unaware of the incident. (Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)

The witness said it was the second fight Addo-Carr was involved in during the match, with the winger reportedly rocked by a punch in the first half.

Police were called in the second half when spectators became involved and a brawl spilled into the crowd.

The Walgett team included Canberra Raiders star Jack Wighton and boxing promoter Matt Rose.

Addo-Carr is believed to have left the venue before police arrived.

Addo-Carr commented about the incident on his social media on Saturday afternoon, writing “Tell who really got knocked out in the brawl, play dirty cop it.”

An NRL spokesman said “The NRL Integrity Unit has been made aware of the incident and is liaising with the NSWRL, organisers and authorities”.

NSW Police said in a statement the on-field fight broke out about 1.45pm.

Some players and spectators attempted to break up the fight, which then spread off-field, whilst others became involved.

Police and event security broke up the brawl a short time later and the crowd dispersed, before the game was called off.

Addo-Carr’s Instagram post.
Addo-Carr’s Instagram post.

It’s not the first time Addo-Carr has copped a vicious tackle at the Koori Knockout.

In 2016, playing for the Redfern All Blacks, he looked certain to score a try in the final against the Newcastle All Blacks when a covering defender came flying across and hit him high.

Addo-Carr was named to play in the PM’s XIII side to play in PNG last Saturday but was ruled out on game day after suffering from hamstring tightness.

The concussion could put his Kangaroos jersey in doubt.

Addo-Carr is expected to be part of Australian’s 20-man squad to compete in an end of season tournament against New Zealand and Samoa.

It is understood the Bulldogs were unaware of the incident.

A host of NRL players including Bradman Best and Jayden Sullivan are playing in the Koori Knockout this weekend.

Latrell Mitchell has been named to play in the knockout. Picture: Max Mason-Hubers
Latrell Mitchell has been named to play in the knockout. Picture: Max Mason-Hubers

South Sydney superstar Latrell Mitchell has also been named to play for the Newcastle Yowies.

It is unclear if Mitchell will feature in any part of the tournament after he was ruled out of Australian selection because of a finger injury which needs operating.

Best is also an outsider to be picked in the Australian team after being added to the train-on squad following a successful season with the Knights.

That squad is announced on Tuesday.

Sullivan has been billed as a marquee signing for the Tigers next season after his stint at St George Illawarra finished on the sidelines because of a hamstring injury.

Sullivan signed a four-year deal worth more than $2 million to switch to the Tigers.

Originally published as Josh Addo-Carr knocked out in all-in brawl at Koori Knockout

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Original URL: https://www.ntnews.com.au/news/nsw/josh-addocarr-knocked-out-in-allin-brawl-at-koori-knockout/news-story/c9bfe8a60098864ede4e7c09358edc04