Canberra and its chief executive Don Furner deserve immense credit for their handling of the Curtis Scott saga. The Raiders have had a long and proud history of coming down hard on players who do the wrong thing and when the Scott incident first came across their desk, they were given genuine cause for concern after they perused a copy of the statement of facts submitted by the police.
Few could have blamed them for showing Scott the door right then and there. According to the statement, which was shared with the Raiders in February but ultimately given little credence by the court, police claimed they became concerned for their safety because of the “unpredictable and aggressive behaviour” of the accused.
They claimed he used his right leg to kick one of the officers in the left shin. They said they were of the belief that a violent confrontation was occurring at which point they used capsicum spray on Scott.
Scott was accused of attempting to kick another officer. He was accused of lashing out at an officer and striking them in the face, leaving them with redness, swelling and minor bleeding to the lip.
Scott was significantly outnumbered and handcuffed, but police remarkably claimed in the statement of facts they felt they were in danger of being overpowered and to protect themselves, discharged a five-second round from their electrical weapon.
The Raiders read that report as they weighed up whether to stand down Scott. They decided to support their centre and both club and Scott were vindicated this week as the courts cleared the 22-year-old, effectively debunking many of the claims made by police.
The NRL integrity unit is still reviewing the matter and there are genuine concerns with Scott placing himself in a vulnerable position by drinking heavily on Australia Day and then falling asleep under a tree near the SCG.
However, the integrity unit spoke to Scott’s lawyer Sam Macedone on Friday morning and the sense is that Scott has been through enough. He certainly appears a changed man, something he made clear to the court in an apology letter that was obtained by Weekend Read.
“I truly believe that there is no place for offensive behaviour in a public place and I am truly ashamed to think that I lowered my standards to this level,” Scott wrote. I believe it is each individual’s job to make the community a safe and friendly place and my actions were not in line with these values.
“After the incident, I did not drink alcohol for five months, as I believe that alcohol played a role in my life that I did not want it to.
“I continue to not drink alcohol in public places to this day to ensure nothing like this ever happens again.”
Scott also approached the club’s under 16, 18 and 20 teams and spoke to the players about the damage that can be caused by a poor decision and the impact it can have on family, friends and career.
He talked about raising money for charity and the impact the ordeal has had on his mental health.
“I know these steps won’t take back my actions or change what has happened, but I am trying where possible to positively impact the community and make a difference,” he wrote.
“For a long time after, I didn’t want to go outside, I became reclusive and I lost a lot of confidence I felt I previously had.
“I feel this incident has really changed me and even made me rethink my career path. This situation has made me appreciate what I do have in my life and what positive impacts I can make with my role in society.
“My focus now is on learning and growing from this experience and in moving forward, taking steps which will ensure this never happens again.”
D-Day for Segeyaro
James Segeyaro will appear before an NRL anti-doping tribunal on October 1. Not long after, Cronulla centre Bronson Xerri will be given an opportunity to fight for his career as he pleads for a reduction in his provisional four-year ban.
For both men, the anti-doping tribunal may not necessarily be the end of the matter. The Australian Sports Anti-Doing Agency and World Anti-Doping Agency will have the final say.
If either man is successful in arguing for their ban to be reduced at the tribunal, ASADA and WADA reserve the right to appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
They have 21 days after the verdict is handed down to make their decision. Both cases still have plenty to play out. Segeyaro’s case was detailed in this column some weeks ago. He claims that he ingested Ligandrol after using a housemate’s blender.
He has a sworn statement from the housemate to verify his claims as well as the housemate’s invoices for purchase of the blender and the substance.
Mystery surrounds Xerri’s argument, his legal team having maintained a low profile since they were brought on board. Xerri’s lawyer Ramy Qutami declined to comment on Friday. The Sharks have been kept in the dark since Xerri’s positive test was relayed to them in May.
He remains on their payroll, but other than that there is little contact between the club and its former star player. Xerri will need to mount a compelling case to win any form of reprieve.
The doping rules make it clear that stupidity and naivety are no excuse. He must show the tribunal that there was no intent, something that is outlined in section 91 of the code.
“The term intentional is meant to identify those athletes who cheat,” it says. “The term, therefore, requires that the athlete or other person engaged in conduct which he or she knew constituted an anti-doping rule violation, or knew that there was significant risk that the conduct might constitute or result in an anti-doping violation and manifest disregarded tear risk.”
Pangai finds a mentor
Tevita Pangai Junior has kept a low profile since being given a lifeline by Brisbane Broncos. His social media accounts remain in lockdown, a requirement placed on him by the Broncos in return to keeping his contract.
Pangai Jr also agreed to take on a mentor. Weekend Read can reveal the man now providing Pangai Jr with advice and a shoulder to lean on is former Queensland and Australian player Greg Veivers.
Veivers made his debut for Queensland at the age of 20 and went on to represent Australia at the World Cup. His rugby league career was eventually cut short by injury but in retirement he forged a successful business career in the insurance industry.
Veivers was also a foundation member of the Men of League in Queensland, helping turn the organisation into a beacon of light for retired players who have found themselves on hard times.
Pangai Jnr could not be in better hands.
Young in demand
The axe fell in Wollongong on Friday as incoming coach Anthony Griffin made the decision to part ways with some of the current staff, chief among them Shane Flanagan. It is believed Flanagan has options elsewhere and he will no doubt land on his feet.
Intrigue continues to surround the future of interim head coach Dean Young.
Young was beaten to the top job by Griffin and has interest from as many as three rival clubs – Wests Tigers, North Queensland and the Warriors.
He is also close to Griffin and the Dragons want him to stay and serve out the remaining year of his existing deal. However, they are unlikely to stand in his way if he wants to go and sample life at a different club.
There is a school of thought that he should do just that. Young has only known the Dragons, both as a player and a coach. He clearly has ability.
A stint away from the Dragons is the only gap on his resume.
Xmas treat for players
Mad Monday is on hold but the shackles will be removed for NRL players at Christmas as the game looks to give them a well-earned break from the strict protocols that have governed their return.
“Having some down time at the moment is the focus and giving them some rest from the protocols, and maybe for a short period of time from training,” biosecurity expert doctor David Heslop said.
“We have a system in place where if things do change rapidly across the Christmas period … we have the ability to reach out and provide advice.
“If anyone while breaking for the protocols finds themselves in a situation that is risky, the committee is there to support them and help them with testing as required.
“We hope to give them at least a couple of weeks off across Christmas. My personal view is that they should be focusing on their families and some time away rather than reporting on apps and thinking abut the protocols.
“As long as they adhere to the protocols of the state they are in, we are comfortable. In terms of coming back into the bubble, we are looking at a post-Christmas bubble.”
Blues for Central Coast
The NSW team is likely to be based at the plush Magenta Shores resort on NSW’s Central Coast for the State of Origin series.
The five-star accommodation is located on the beachfront and features an 18-hole championship golf course. Players and officials could be asked to spend as long as five weeks in an Origin bubble, potentially away from their families.
They can take solace in the fact they will be staying at one of the most luxurious resorts in NSW.
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