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Jucy Talau allegedly punched teenage rugby league referee Kurt Portsmouth, 16, during an under-12s match in Engadine on Saturday. Picture: Facebook
Champion Bulldogs centre Willie Talau’s brother accused of punching teen referee Kurt Portsmouth
LAURA BANKS and PHIL ROTHFIELD, The Daily Telegraph
June 19, 2016 10:00pm
THE BROTHER of Canterbury Bulldogs star Willie Talau is facing serious assault charges after allegedly punching a 16-year-old referee during an under-12s rugby league game.
The Daily Telegraph can reveal it was 34-year-old Jucy Talau who allegedly punched teen referee Kurt Portsmouth in a shock incident that drew condemnation from authorities.
Kurt’s father Scott Portsmouth last night said he had “never seen anything” that compared to the incident in his 35 years of being involved in the sport. “The crowd just groaned and I ran out on to the field to be with my son,” he said.
Kurt talks to police after the alleged assault.
The incident occurred after the young referee had ruled Talau’s son be replaced during a match between the Engadine Dragons and Gymea Gorillas. Police had to be called to Anzac Oval in Engadine, with Talau — a trainer with the Gorillas — being charged with assault occasioning actual bodily harm.
Kurt — who suffered a brain tumour four years ago — was taken to Sydney Children’s Hospital with bruising.
Cronulla Junior Rugby League general manager Nathan Waugh issued a blanket media ban to league officials via email yesterday, warning that anyone caught talking to journalists about the “distressing incident” would face judicial discipline.
“If anyone is found to have made comment to the media and is named or quoted concerning the incident, the Junior League will cite that individual and they will face a judicial hearing,” the email read. “The Junior League is working closely with the Referees Association, the two clubs involved, Cronulla Sharks, NSWRL and the NRL.
“We are co-operating with all relevant parties to look after the welfare of the young referee.”
Mr Portsmouth said his son was keen to get back on the paddock and to referee more games.
“Kurt is OK except for a black eye,” he said. “The important thing is Kurt doesn’t want this incident to put off other potential young referees.”
Talau will appear in Sutherland Local Court on Wednesday.
A rugby league judiciary hearing is yet to be fixed.
Jucy Talau allegedly punched teenage rugby league referee Kurt Portsmouth, 16, during an under-12s match in Engadine on Saturday. Picture: Facebook
Champion Bulldogs centre Willie Talau’s brother accused of punching teen referee Kurt Portsmouth
LAURA BANKS and PHIL ROTHFIELD, The Daily Telegraph
June 19, 2016 10:00pm
THE BROTHER of Canterbury Bulldogs star Willie Talau is facing serious assault charges after allegedly punching a 16-year-old referee during an under-12s rugby league game.
The Daily Telegraph can reveal it was 34-year-old Jucy Talau who allegedly punched teen referee Kurt Portsmouth in a shock incident that drew condemnation from authorities.
Kurt’s father Scott Portsmouth last night said he had “never seen anything” that compared to the incident in his 35 years of being involved in the sport. “The crowd just groaned and I ran out on to the field to be with my son,” he said.
Kurt talks to police after the alleged assault.
The incident occurred after the young referee had ruled Talau’s son be replaced during a match between the Engadine Dragons and Gymea Gorillas. Police had to be called to Anzac Oval in Engadine, with Talau — a trainer with the Gorillas — being charged with assault occasioning actual bodily harm.
Kurt — who suffered a brain tumour four years ago — was taken to Sydney Children’s Hospital with bruising.
Cronulla Junior Rugby League general manager Nathan Waugh issued a blanket media ban to league officials via email yesterday, warning that anyone caught talking to journalists about the “distressing incident” would face judicial discipline.
“If anyone is found to have made comment to the media and is named or quoted concerning the incident, the Junior League will cite that individual and they will face a judicial hearing,” the email read. “The Junior League is working closely with the Referees Association, the two clubs involved, Cronulla Sharks, NSWRL and the NRL.
“We are co-operating with all relevant parties to look after the welfare of the young referee.”
Mr Portsmouth said his son was keen to get back on the paddock and to referee more games.
“Kurt is OK except for a black eye,” he said. “The important thing is Kurt doesn’t want this incident to put off other potential young referees.”
Talau will appear in Sutherland Local Court on Wednesday.
A rugby league judiciary hearing is yet to be fixed.