The Gold Coast Bulletin

NRL star charged over hit

Allegation­s of cop punch

- MATT ENCARNACIO­N

RUGBY LEAGUE: The NRL’s off-season woes have worsened after Canberra recruit Curtis Scott allegedly kicked and punched a police officer while being arrested.

Scott is facing two charges of assaulting a police officer, as well as resisting arrest, following an incident in Sydney during Australia Day celebratio­ns.

Police were called to Moore Park in the early hours of yesterday after reports a man was acting erraticall­y.

“The 22-year-old man allegedly became aggressive and kicked and punched one of the officers,” NSW Police said in a statement yesterday.

“The man was tasered and arrested.”

Scott is also facing charges of behaving in an offensive manner in or near a public place and behaving in an indecent manner.

He is also accused of remaining on trust lands after being requested to leave.

The former Melbourne centre was granted conditiona­l bail and will appear in Downing Centre court on February 20.

The Raiders released a statement saying they have begun an investigat­ion into the matter with the NRL integrity unit.

Scott joined the Raiders from Melbourne on a fouryear deal in November, prompting the departure of Joey Leilua to the Wests Tigers.

The joint venture confirmed a three-year deal for Leilua yesterday.

Last week, Scott, a Cronulla Sharks junior, opened up on staying away from what he described as the “rat race” and “fishbowl” life in the harbour city.

“I would have had too many distractio­ns in Sydney and it just would have been a little bit too full on,” he told Fox Sports.

“It would have been easier for me to go out and end up ... not in trouble but just not take footy as serious as I did when I moved away and focused on it.

“I had to pick if I wanted to go down the wrong road or the right road and that’s why I originally went to Melbourne – to get the best out of myself and my football.

“And it’s the same with the opportunit­y to go to Canberra.

“I’m older now and make better decisions but I also just think it’s the best place for me to get the most out of my football.”

The incident comes one day after Brisbane informed the NRL integrity unit about an offence involving forward Joe Ofahengaue.

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