St George Illawarra star Corey Norman is being investigated by the NRL’s integrity unit over a street brawl in Cronulla he claims was provoked by racial abuse.
Former NRL player and Norman’s business partner James Segeyaro was also involved, with the pair releasing a statement about the incident through their clothing company’s social media.
The pair claim they were walking home from dinner on Friday night with two women when they were approached by a group of four men, one of whom who racially abused Segeyaro by calling him “the N-word”.
“An argument ensued, and Corey came in to defuse the situation,” the statement read. “He was then blindsided and a fight broke out. It had all but broken up when one of them threatened to pull a knife.
“As individuals and as a brand we will always stand up against racism. Sometimes it’s as simple as re-sharing a post or making a video, other times it’s defending yourself.
“Although we don’t condone violence, if there’s a time to fight, then let it be against racism, protecting female company and having your friend’s back.”
Norman told the Dragons about the incident on Saturday morning. The club has confirmed it is cooperating with the NRL to establish facts around 29-year-old’s involvement. Segeyaro is not contracted to any club and is not under investigation by the NRL.
The incident was filmed by a bystander and aired by the Seven Network on Sunday. The video showed a group of men pushing and shoving in an alley until punches were thrown.
No arrests were made and NSW Police had not received a complaint as of Monday morning. Norman is in the final year of a lucrative three-year contract with the Dragons, where he has played 37 games since the start of the 2019 season.