Footy stars in brawl
ST GEORGE Illawarra star Corey Norman and former player James Segeyaro say they were threatened with a knife during a racially charged street brawl that is now under investigation by the NSW Police and NRL integrity unit.
Footage emerged of an incident in Cronulla on Friday night, showing a group of men exchanging punches.
Norman and former Far North junior Segeyaro have since confirmed their involvement, although their actions are unclear.
The NRL integrity unit interviewed Norman on Monday.
ST GEORGE Illawarra star Corey Norman and former player James Segeyaro say they were threatened with a knife during a racially charged street brawl that is now under investigation by the NSW Police and NRL integrity unit.
Footage emerged of an incident in Cronulla on Friday night showing a group of men exchanging punches.
Norman and former Far North junior Segeyaro have since confirmed their involvement, although their actions are unclear, based on the vision.
The NRL integrity unit interviewed Dragons five-eighth Norman on Monday, shortly before the pair released a joint statement.
“The two boys were walking home after a dinner with two females when they were approached by a group of four men,” the Instagram statement on their clothing company account YKTR (You Know The Rules) said.
“One of whom began to racially abuse Chicko (Segeyaro), calling him the N-word.
“An argument ensued, and Corey came in to defuse the situation.
“He was then blindsided, and a fight broke out.
“It had all but broken up, when one of them threatened to pull a knife.”
Police have confirmed they are now investigating the alleged street fight after the video emerged in media reports.
“About 9.40pm on Friday, police responded to reports of a brawl in Surf Lane at Cronulla. They patrolled the area, however the group had dispersed prior to their arrival,” a police spokeswoman said.
“Officers from Sutherland Police Area Command are making inquiries into the matter.”
The NRL integrity unit is also seeking witnesses, including the person who filmed the grainy video, to verify the pair’s account of what happened.
“The NRL integrity unit is aware of the video and is investigating the matter,” an NRL spokesman said, although Segeyaro’s involvement is not part of that probe because he is not a contracted NRL player.
The Dragons on Monday confirmed they were aware of the incident and would work with their representative half and the NRL to get to the bottom of the matter. “As individuals and as a brand, we will always stand up against racism,” Norman and Segeyaro’s statement said.