By Adrian Proszenko and Michael Chammas
The NRL has been made aware of sexual assault allegations levelled against a Queensland-based player.
Police are investigating after a complaint was made against the player, who can’t be named for legal reasons.
The NRL’s Magic Round will take place this weekend. Credit: Getty
Players charged with offences that carry a prison term of 11 years or more are automatically suspended under the NRL’s no-fault stand-down policy.
“Obviously [they are] very serious allegations,” NRL chief executive Andrew Abdo said on Thursday. “We are working with the relevant parties to find out more. As we find out more, then we’ll be able to say more.
“At this stage all I can say is it’s very disappointing to hear about these allegations. They are very serious. We have policies in place to deal with these should they eventuate. We’ll deal with the facts once we know a bit more.”
The incident threatens to overshadow two of rugby league’s showpiece events: the opening women’s State of Origin match on Thursday night and the start of the NRL’s Magic Round in Brisbane the following evening.