Emerging Wallaby Kurtley Beale is facing an assault charge, the second Australian rugby squad player to attract a legal problem in less than a week.
Fairfax reported on Wednesday that Beale, the 20-year-old Waratahs five-eighth, has been charged with common assault over what is understood to be an alleged domestic violence incident arising from a family birthday party in western Sydney in July.
Beale is due to face Mt Druitt Local Court on January 13 and will not return to NSW training until after that date.
Fairfax understood the complaint was made by his female cousin but no injuries were reported.
Beale’s agent, Isaac Moses, and the barrister representing him, Stephen Stanton, were unavailable for comment but an ARU spokesman said the five-eighth plans to fight the charge.
“Kurtley has told us he will vigorously defend the charge and denies the allegation,” said the spokesman.
“He is entitled under the justice system to the presumption of innocence.”
Beale made his Test debut just last month on the European tour.
National team-mate Quade Cooper is also fighting charges in Queensland.
He will defend allegations he broke into a Surfers Paradise home on December 6 and stole two laptops in the hours after attending teammate Peter Hynes’s buck’s party.
His case in Southport Magistrates Court has been adjourned until July.
Jameswm
Guest
I read most of them cookie!
cookie
Guest
today's online league news, not atypical..... League From hero to zero Knights forward Danny Wicks is accused of being close to the top of what police have described as a "significant drug-supply network". Knights hit for six by allegations levelled at Wicks Dark Knight: star on drug charges Star on the rise in limbo as club stands prop down Athletic big man dances to different beat Drug use rife in league, says player
cookie
Guest
Why aren't rugby players dealing drugs? Is it just me or is league the Jerry Springer of world sport? It's an endless source of amusement, pity none of it occurs on the paddock.
Dingbat
Guest
classy aussies man, classy
M1tch
Roar Guru
lol, I dunno Rugby Union is again missing in the media..Rugby League is truly a 12 month backpage Sport ;)
Even looser
Guest
Something doesn't quite smell right about this one. Incident occured in July & yet he was only charged in December? What's that about then? I've never fully embraced KB as the next best thing for Rugby. Seemed to get it all handed to him too easily on a platter for my liking BUT.....I'll be buggered if I'll jump on the band wagon that wants to stick the slipper in while he's down. I know the term 'presumption of innocence' is wearing thin but let's just let it play out and see what unfolds. Hopefully some family member of his is being a tosser and it will all be resolved.
Rod
Guest
Hypocrites :)
The Answer
Guest
What would you have to write about? You spend a lot of time commenting on it.
rugbyfuture
Roar Guru
its really good how, the leagueys, drinking it up and selling drugs overrules this in the media
cookie
Guest
Don't know Don't care really. All i can tell you that in Aust leqgue is in the media more. If league disspeared of the face of the planet I'd barely notice.
Working Class Rugger
Guest
Yeah, I was thinking the same thing. I'm sure this incident occurred earlier this year. I get the feeling the plaintiff will be looking for a financial settlement. Doubt he'll see the inside of a cell. It has all come from a family incident so being a professional athlete someone is looking for a payday.
stash
Roar Pro
It raises the IQ of both countries....classic
Rabbitz
Guest
Duty of Care? These are adults who have (allegedly) committed serious crimes - make no bones about it Assault and Break and Enter are serious crimes, not misdemeanours. How does ANY employer have a duty of care over an adult, on their own time who commit a serious criminal action? Just because they play footy (any code) does not make them any different to any employee. I am sure that my employers would take a dim view if I was charged (and convicted) of a serious crime. These guys are not babies, they are not special needs people, they are well paid adults who are responsible for their actions. So how can anyone owe them a duty of care when committing alleged criminal acts. Living in the media fishbowl is part of the job, that they decided to accept so that is part of the deal. So the headlines and media scrums should be even more of a dis-incentive.
Tragic
Guest
And it happened in July.... at his own birthday party? Must have been the best birthday ever!
The Answer
Guest
So are you saying league is No 1? You certainly seem on your way to working through your wish list.
cookie
Guest
All we need now is a few more assualts, some lewd drunken incidents, some decent racial sledging, a domestic or two and some female abuse and Rugby will be No. 1.... works for league?
crashy
Guest
good onya Matty S - my cars better than your car
Big Steve
Guest
This one seems the oddest yet. Its his cousin it happened at a family gathering and there was no injury. Does anyone know if when it was brought up with the police?
Jameswm
Guest
This supposedly happened in July? Seems odd to be honest. Remember when Beale and Cooper came on the scene together - their names have been linked for many years already...
Matt S
Guest
Let's get the elitist crap out of the argument. They are two players who deserve a bit of support and hope they can curtail this sort of behaviour before cutting them loose. There is a duty of care. There are plenty of educated union people who have committed far worse than those two. League is historically the 'working class' game and will attract all types but in my circle of friends I know plenty of educated league people who would blow you out of the water pay packet & IQ wise.