Charged player out
THE man accused of being responsible for the death of Trinity Beach roofer Brett Thomson in an alleged assault outside a pub has been pulled from the FNQ Rugby grand final at the last minute amid a probe from the sport’s integrity unit.
Tim England was sensationally pulled out of the local grand final just hours before he was set to play for Barron Trinity Bulls.
England was charged with unlawful striking causing death in the Cairns Magistrates Court last month, after the death of Thomson.
The flanker played for the club last weekend as the Bulls beat Southside Crusaders to advance to the grand final.
The 20-year-old playing in the FNQ Rugby competition following the assault has been referred to the Queensland Rugby Union and Rugby Australia integrity unit.
Neither Queensland Rugby Union nor Rugby Australia were aware of England continuing to play in the local competition following the assault allegation before they were contacted by the Cairns Post yesterday.
FNQ Rugby were forced to file paperwork in regards to the matter to the two higher bodies late yesterday.
A Rugby Australia spokesman yesterday afternoon said the matter will be looked at by their integrity unit in the near future.
FNQ Rugby president John Pirie would offer no comment when contacted by the Cairns Post but confirmed England would not play today, after being named in the Bulls squad as late as Friday afternoon.
The local competition had attempted to hide England playing in recent weeks by naming a “TBC” in his position before he would front up on game day.
He was formally named to play in the decider before FNQ Rugby pulled him from the showpiece game of the 2019 season.
The Bulls have won the past three A-grade premierships.
It is alleged England and Thomson were involved in an altercation outside the Pier Bar in the Cairns CBD last month before Thomson suffered critical head injuries.
England’s case was adjourned until August 28. FNQ rugby grand final – Page 52