Raiders coach Ricky Stuart has come out in support of up-and-coming player Tom Starling, who is accused of assaulting a police officer in a brawl on the NSW Central Coast.
Key points:
- Tom Starling is facing charges including assaulting police over the brawl at Kincumber
- Ricky Stuart says his player was trying to help his family when he became involved
- The NRL integrity unit is investigating, though no decision has been made about whether to stand Starling down
Starling, 22, appeared in Gosford Local Court yesterday, after the brawl at a restaurant in Kincumber on Saturday evening left a police officer with a cut to his hand.
He and three other men are facing charges including assaulting an officer in execution of duty and affray.
Police will allege the brawl began when a 19-year-old man was asked to leave the premises but refused to do so.
“The 19-year-old man was arrested and while he was being escorted from the venue, police … allege three other men — aged 20, 22 and 24 — became aggressive and assaulted police numerous times in an attempt to intervene,” police said in a statement.
But Stuart addressed Starling’s actions in a press conference this morning, claiming he became involved in the fracas while trying to help family members.
“It is disappointing but I have spoken to Tom at length yesterday and I know a number of our club officials have spoken to Tommy,” Stuart said.
“Speaking to Tom, defending his mother and his brother is something that I was obviously OK with.
After appearing in court, Starling and the three other men charged were granted conditional bail to re-appear in court on January 21.
In a statement yesterday, the NRL said the incident had been referred to the game’s integrity unit, but Stuart said no decision had been made about whether to stand Starling down while the charges were pending.
Stuart said he hoped the matter would be resolved quickly.
