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Newcastle Knights NRL star Kalyn Ponga and teammate kicked out of same toilet cubicle by security

Kalyn Ponga (left) and Kurt Mann (right) have been identified in a recently-released video that shows the pair being kicked out of the same toilet cubicle at a pub

Newcastle Knights superstar Kalyn Ponga and his teammate are kicked out of the same pub toilet cubicle by a security guard – as club launches investigation

  • Footage shows Ponga and Kurt Mann being kicked out of a pub toilet cubicle
  • It’s unclear why the pair were in the same cubicle together
  • Ponga’s father said he was just sick after a few drinks and his mate helped him

By Kristy Williams For Daily Mail Australia

Published: | Updated:

Footage has emerged of NRL superstar Kalyn Ponga and his Newcastle teammate Kurt Mann being kicked out of the same pub toilet cubicle by security guards.

It’s unclear why the 24-year-old, who signed a whopping five-year $5million contract with the club in April, was in the cubicle with Mann.

The Knights are now aware of the footage, and confirmed to News Corp they had received answers after ‘seeking an explanation’.

In the video, a security guard can be heard saying: ‘Oh! That’s a surprise’ before Mann and Ponga leave the toilet.

Kalyn Ponga (left) and Kurt Mann (right) have been identified in a recently-released video that shows the pair being kicked out of the same toilet cubicle at a pub

Kalyn Ponga (left) and Kurt Mann (right) have been identified in a recently-released video that shows the pair being kicked out of the same toilet cubicle at a pub

Ponga’s father Andre said his son needed assistance from Mann when he fell ill while drinking.

‘He made an exciting house purchase Saturday and celebrated with a few mates drinking. Sick in the toilet and his mate went in to help him, ‘Andre Ponga told the Daily Telegraph.

The claim was backed up by the duo during the club’s investigation, with sources telling News Corp that Mann accompanied Ponga because his mate was sick while the pair were out enjoying drinks on Saturday to celebrate the purchase.

Kalyn Ponga was reportedly celebrating because he bought a new house

Kalyn Ponga was reportedly celebrating because he bought a new house

The pair told the club the cubicle door was open at all times, which is somewhat confusing giving the security guard can be clearly seen opening the door at the start of the video, before expressing his shock at finding Ponga.

Both men are fully clothed when they exit the cubicle.

Ponga and Mann are very close mates, and often feature on each other’s social media feeds.

The duo are both currently sidelined with injury, and drinking while injured is, at most NRL clubs, is a huge no-no given alcohol impairs healing.

Knights star Kalyn Ponga is currently sidelined after suffering yet another concussion recently

Knights star Kalyn Ponga is currently sidelined after suffering yet another concussion recently

Mann is nursing a quad injury, while Ponga has been sidelined since July 22 after suffering his third concussion in six weeks – which is of great concern for the club, who have opted to take a conservative approach.

Ponga said on Sunday that he would not be back for the rest of the season, after suffering from some debilitating side effects – though he admitted it wasn’t his choice to sit out.

‘My season’s done. It’s a bit weird. I feel OK now. At the start I felt a bit weird, headaches and whatnot, but I feel all right now,’ he told Triple M Newcastle.

Ponga (left, pictured with Knights teammate Jack Johns) has reportedly told the club he was in the cubicle because he was sick

Ponga (left, pictured with Knights teammate Jack Johns) has reportedly told the club he was in the cubicle because he was sick

Early this year, Tigers winger David Nofoaluma was stood down by the club for drinking while injured. Like Ponga, the 28-year-old was also dealing with concussion.

Corey Norman, Michael Jennings and Joel Thompson are other high-profile examples of players suspended for drinking while injured.

There is no word yet whether either Mann or Ponga will face any disciplinary action for drinking while injured.

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Canberra Raiders edge St George Illawarra 24-22 to keep NRL finals hopes alive, Gold Coast beat Manly 44-24

A Canberra Raiders NRL player tackles a St George Illawarra opponent.

Canberra has ended a tumultuous week in perfect fashion after holding on to beat St George Illawarra 24-22 to keep its season alive.

In Sunday’s later match, Gold Coast snapped a 10-match losing streak with a 44-24 win over Manly in Robina.

With coach Ricky Stuart banned from attending Canberra Stadium and speaking to his players as part of the fallout from his tirade at Penrith’s Jaeman Salmon, the Raiders survived a late scare to finish round 22 one match outside the top eight.

Canberra assistant coach Brett White said Stuart would have been on edge as the Dragons threatened a late comeback to steal the match.

“He wouldn’t want it to be about him, we’re still fighting for finals, we’re still punching away,” White said.

“The week is done, ‘Sticky’ (Stuart) will be back in on Wednesday, and it’s all finished as far as we’re concerned.

“He’s done his time and what Ricky’s done for this club… what he’s done for the community, that’s who he is.”

Dragons’ five-eighth Talatau Amone had looked to end the Raiders’ season with a late onslaught, completing his first career hat-trick before creating Tautau Moga’s 75th-minute try, only for Zac Lomax to push a potentially equalizing conversion attempt wide.

It allowed the Raiders to end round 22 still one match back from the eighth-placed Sydney Roosters with three rounds remaining before the finals.

Young fullback Xavier Savage had his fingerprints all over the Raiders’ win with two try-assists, including a sweet grubber kick that allowed winger Albert Hopoate to score.

With star prop Joe Tapine missing because of a rib injury, the Raiders’ forwards shared the workload.

They were led by Josh Papalii (140m), Ryan Sutton (110m) and Hudson Young (67m), who scored the opening try of the match from a Zac Woolford grubber kick.

“The leaders have been fantastic this week … that’s where the drive this week really came from and why we’re able to just keep things as normal,” White said.

“While there’s a chance, we’ll keep fighting and I just said to the boys we’ll just keep punching away.”

Two St George Illawarra NRL players stand with their hands on their hips after a match.
Jaydn Su’A (left) and Talatau Amone reflect after the Dragons’ narrow loss.(Getty Images: Mark Nolan)

The loss removes the Dragons’ from the finals equation, having won just one of their past six matches in a disappointing end to their year.

They hit the front in the first half as Amone twice capitalized on soft Canberra defensive efforts to score tries, but could not stay with the Raiders when their intensity lifted.

“(Amone) was outstanding, it’s been a tough year for ‘Junior’, first year as a full-time starting five-eighth … in our most important game of the year I thought he really stood up which is great,” Dragons coach Anthony Griffin said.

“Against good sides playing away from home, we just gave them points too easily at different times and it was too hard to reel back.

“But that’s not to question the character we showed all day.”

Titans post drought-breaking win

A group of Gold Coast Titans NRL players embrace as they celebrate a try.
The Titans got on top of the Sea Eagles in the first half.(AAP: Jason O’Brien)

The Gold Coast halted its losing streak and essentially ended Manly’s season with an upset win over the Sea Eagles.

Playing without inspirational captain Tino Fa’asuamaleaui due to the impending birth of his second child, the Titans ended a run of 10 consecutive defeats with Beau Fermor scoring a double in the much-needed victory.

The 20-point loss means the 10th-placed Sea Eagles are six points outside the top eight with three matches to play.

Given eighth-placed Sydney Roosters hold a significantly better differential, it would take a miraculous set of results for Des Hasler’s team to reach the finals.

Adding injury to insult for the Sea Eagles in Hasler’s 300th match as Manly coach, flying winger Jason Saab suffered a suspected ACL injury in the second half.

The match started ominously with Titans’ prop Jaimin Jolliffe spilling the ball on his first carry from the kick-off.

Haumole Olakau’atu thought he had got the visitors in front in the fifth minute when he crashed over but the try was disallowed after a video review showed Martin Tapau had knocked-on in the build-up.

Jolliffe made up for his early error, hanging onto an offload from Fa’asuamaleaui’s replacement Jarrod Wallace to give the Titans an early lead.

Reuben Garrick hit back for the Sea Eagles but Dylan Walker’s sin-binning in the 20th minute changed the match.

Walker had only just come onto the field from the interchange bench when he was sent to the sin-bin and placed on report for a high tackle on Titans’ winger Jojo Fifita.

The youngster scored off the resulting set to put Gold Coast back in front after a great cut-out pass by halfback Tanah Boyd.

Jake Trbojevic’s 25th-minute try, despite a desperate effort from Titans’ fullback Jayden Campbell to hold up the back rower, again leveled the scores with the Sea Eagles still down a player.

But Gold Coast took an eight-point lead into the break after Brian Kelly’s intercept try from a Daly Cherry-Evans pass and a penalty conversion from Boyd.

Desperate to avoid a second wooden spoon in four years, the Titans raced to their biggest lead of the game with tries to Fermor and AJ Brimson early in the second half, putting them 20 points clear with 25 minutes to play.

David Fifita then delivered the highlight play of the day, busting through Manly’s defense before sprinting clear to score.

Brad Parker and Tolutau Koula added some gloss to the scoreline for the visitors with late tries before Fermor’s late run through some tired Manly defense ensured Gold Coast move above Wests Tigers and off the bottom of the ladder.

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Canterbury Bulldogs name Cameron Ciraldo as NRL head coach from 2023

An assistant coach wearing club gear with the Penrith Panthers logo smiles as he looks across a field before a game.

Cameron Ciraldo has signed a five-year deal to take over as Canterbury head coach next season.

The in-demand Penrith assistant has helped mastermind the defending premiers’ climb to dominance under Ivan Cleary.

However, Ciraldo has decided to take the step up into the head coach role at the Bulldogs after previously knocking back the Wests Tigers’ job.

Interim Bulldogs coach Mick Potter was keen to stay on after taking over from sacked coach Trent Barrett earlier this season.

However, Canterbury general manager of football Phil Gould wanted Ciraldo — who has been in various coaching roles at the Panthers since 2014 — to fill the position.

Ciraldo’s arrival at Belmore will likely keep star playmaker Matt Burton at the club.

Burton worked with Ciraldo at the Panthers before linking up with the Bulldogs this season.

Matt Burton shouts after a try for the Canterbury Bulldogs in the NRL.
Camerone Ciraldo’s signing will likely mean Matt Burton (pictured) stays with the Bulldogs.(Getty Images: Matt King)

“As the club continues to build for long-term, sustained success, we are pleased Cameron shares the vision of ensuring our football programs are best-in-class,” a Bulldogs club statement read.

The Panthers confirmed Ciraldo would depart the club at the end of the season.

“On behalf of all at Panthers, we would like to congratulate Cameron for his appointment as an NRL head coach,” Panthers chief executive Matt Cameron said in a statement.

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NRL ScoreCentre: Gold Coast Titans vs Manly Sea Eagles, Canberra Raiders vs St George Illawarra Dragons live scores, stats and results

A Gold Coast NRL players runs with the ball.

Bottom-placed Gold Coast faces Manly after the Raiders pip St George Illawarra 24-22 at Canberra Stadium.

Check out all the live scores and stats below.

Titans vs Sea Eagles

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Raiders hold off Dragons

Two St George Illawarra NRL players stand with their hands on their hips after a match.
Jaydn Su’A (left) and Talatau Amone reflect after the Dragons’ narrow loss.(Getty Images: Mark Nolan)

Canberra can dream of finals for at least another week after seeing off St George Illawarra 24-22 in a tense affair to keep pace with the top eight.

With suspended coach Ricky Stuart watching from home, the Raiders rattled off three straight tries after trailing in the first half, but had to hold on against the fast-finishing Dragons at Canberra Stadium.

Dragons’ five-eighth Talatau Amone completed his first career hat-trick on 68 minutes to pull his side back within six points, before assisting Tautau Moga to lift them to within two points just five minutes from time.

But Zac Lomax pushed his conversion attempt from the sideline wide, allowing the Raiders to hold on.

They will end round 22 still just one match back from the eighth-placed Sydney Roosters with three rounds before the finals, but given their lackluster points difference they could only afford one Roosters’ win if they are to leapfrog them into the eight.

The Raiders at least nailed the first piece of the assignment in rainy conditions, with coaches Brett White, Andrew McFadden and Mick Crawley guiding the side to victory to end the club’s week of negative headlines in the best way possible.

Young fullback Xavier Savage had his fingerprints all over the win with two try assists, including a sweet grubber that allowed winger Albert Hopoate to score, while also running for 158 meters.

With star prop Joe Tapine missing with a rib injury, the Raiders’ forwards shared the load in covering his hulking presence. They were led by Josh Papalii (140m), Ryan Sutton (110m) and Hudson Young (67m), who scored the opening try of the match from a Zac Woolford grubber.

The loss removes the Dragons’ already-slim finals chances entirely, now having won just one of their past six matches in a disappointing end to their year.

They had hit the front in the first half as Amone twice capitalized on soft Canberra defensive efforts to score tries, but could not stay with the Raiders when their intensity lifted.

Canberra prop Ryan Sutton grabbed his side an 18-12 half-time lead after gathering his own charge-down effort to score, while Savage’s smart kick for Hopoate pinched a 12-point break.

Amone was clearly the Dragons’ best, finding seven tackle busts and an offload to go with three tries and an assist.

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NRL Rich 100: Which Broncos, Cowboys, Titans make rugby league’s big-money list?

NRL Rich 100: Which Broncos, Cowboys, Titans make rugby league's big-money list?

Daly Cherry-Evans’ reign atop the NRL Rich 100 is officially over. The Manly and Queensland captain has made way for Nathan Cleary as the Penrith Panthers talisman becomes the highest-paid player in rugby league.

News Corp can reveal that Cleary, currently sidelined after being suspended for a dangerous throw a fortnight ago, will earn $1.3 million this season, taking him past Cherry-Evans on rugby league’s millionaire’s row.

It is hard to argue with his lofty position given the way he has performed in recent years. The NRL Rich 100 has a smattering of players who probably don’t deserve to be among the game’s elite but you can’t dispute Cleary’s climb to the apex.

FULL LIST: CHECK OUT THE NRL RICH 100 BELOW

The Penrith captain has been the shining light in a Panthers side that has dominated the NRL for the past two years, culminating in their premiership win last season and taking them back to the top of the ladder this year, having lost only three games in the process.

Cleary’s ascent to the throne has been uncovered as part of an extensive News Corp investigation into the pay packets of the game’s leading players, having spoken to club officials, player agents and recruitment chiefs.

NRL Rich 100: The Origin stars snubbed from list

There are 22 new entrants in the NRL Rich 100 and four fresh faces in the top 10 — Cleary, Jesse Bromwich, Luke Brooks and Mitchell Moses.

Clearly has moved from 11th spot to No.1 thanks to a significant increase in his deal that takes him past Cherry-Evans, the long-time leader when it comes to player pay.

Clearly he has well and truly repaid the Panthers with his efforts on the field. No shortage of people will tell you he is the best player in the game. Now he is being paid like it.

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LISTEN: Phil Rothfield, Brent Read and David Riccio discuss the biggest revelations from the NRL Rich 100 — Nathan Cleary’s rise to the top, the big movers and the clubs under salary cap pressure.

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However, having only just left Cherry-Evans in his wake, News Corp can reveal his stint as the game’s marquee money man will be short-lived.

Clearly he has one more year on the big bucks before his selfless sacrifice of cash kicks in. As part of the five-year extension Cleary agreed with the Panthers earlier this year, he signed off on a pay cut to ensure the club would be able to surround him with quality in coming years.

If Cleary had his way, the pay cut would have kicked in straight away. However, those plans were scuppered by the NRL and a rule that prevents contracts being reduced once they have been signed, even if the player concerned agrees to a new deal.

It means Cleary’s pay cut takes effect when the extension begins in 2024. In the meantime, Cleary can enjoy the mantle as the game’s salary cap supreme for the next two years.

Of the other new faces in the top 10, the most surprising are Bromwich and Brooks.

Bromwich, who will join the Dolphins next year, is in the final year of a deal that he signed with the Storm when he was arguably regarded as the premier prop in the game.

He remains a genuine leader at Melbourne and one of their most consistent players, and his departure will be felt at the end of the season.

FULL LIST: CHECK OUT THE NRL RICH 100 BELOW

Brooks is perhaps more controversial, although he is entering the penultimate year of a big deal he signed several years ago.

The final year in 2023 is worth more than $1 million, although it remains to be seen who picks up the tab as Newcastle continue to circle Brooks as they look to end their search for a halfback.

The man they are all chasing is Clearly. The Panthers co-captain is serving a suspension at the moment for his errant spear tackle on Parramatta’s Dylan Brown but prior to his ban, Cleary had been in devastating touch for the Panthers.

Stream every game of every round of the 2022 NRL Telstra Premiership Season Live & Ad-Break Free During Play on Kayo. New to Kayo? Start your free trial now >

Through 14 appearances this season, the 24-year-old had forced 15 dropouts, and contributed 14 try assists and 12 linebreak assists. In his absence from him, the Panthers succumbed to Melbourne on Thursday night at home as they were held scoreless for the first time in nearly a decade.

Cleary’s value to the club was clear for all to see, Cherry-Evans remains a part of the top 10, sliding to No.2 as he nears the end of the mega-deal he signed in 2015, worth upwards of $10 million over eight years.

He recently extended that deal for a further two years and is joined in the top 10 by teammate Tom Trbojevic. After Cleary and Cherry-Evans, the other members of the top five are St George Illawarra skipper Ben Hunt, Newcastle superstar Kalyn Ponga and Sydney Roosters captain James Tedesco.

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NRL ScoreCentre: Broncos vs Knights, Roosters vs Cowboys, Tigers vs Sharks live scores, stats and results

A Brisbane Broncos NRL player dives while holding the ball to score a try.

Brisbane faces Newcastle at Lang Park, while Cronulla and the Sydney Roosters enjoy their respective victories.

Check out all the live scores and stats below.

Broncos vs. Knights

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Sharks outclass Tigers

A Cronulla NRL player passes the ball to his right against Wests Tigers.
Cronulla’s Cameron McInnes offloads against the Wests Tigers.(Getty Images: Matt King)

Kade Dykes scored his maiden NRL try in just his second match as Cronulla retained its spot in the top-four with an uncompromising 36-12 win over Wests Tigers at Scully Park in Tamworth.

Dykes is the Sharks’ first third-generation player after his father Adam and grandfather John played for the club.

He played his part in Cronulla’s eighth win in their past nine matches with his 21st-minute try after chasing a kick back on the inside from winger Lachie Miller.

The win also ensured the Sharks leapt over the top of the Melbourne Storm into third place on the ladder as they search for a home final with just three rounds left.

The Sharks continued to show no mercy to the joint-venture club this year after belting them 30-4 in round five.

The Sharks scored four tries in the first half — three off kicks — as they got their attack humming off the back of a 61 per cent possession rate for a 26-6 lead at the break.

Their second half brought another two tries as they made it an uncomfortable night for the out-of-luck Tigers.

Both Matt Ikuvalu and Miller were playing just their third match for Cronulla this year, coming in for the injured Siosifa Talakai and Will Kennedy respectively.

And both wings scored in the opening 10 minutes.

The Wests Tigers disrupted the flow with hooker Fa’amanu Brown, who spent three seasons at the Sharks, barged over from dummy-half to give his team a sniff at 12-6.

But then prop Royce Hunt ran right over the top of fullback Dane Laurie and Dykes had his piece of personal history and the game was indeed getting away from Brett Kimmorley’s side.

It only took Cronulla just 13 minutes to score the first points of the second half — another prop barging over, this time Braden Hamin-Uele dragging three defenders with him for a 32-6 lead.

But it lit a small fuse in the Tigers with back rower Luke Gardner getting on the outside of Dykes for a 20-meter dash to the line.

However, Jesse Ramien crossed for his ninth try of the year just before things started to turn sour for the Sharks.

They lost two players to injuries — Toby Rudolf (knee) and Miller (head injury assessment) — and then back rower Teig Wilton was sin-binned for a late tackle on Laurie.

Wests Tigers winger Brent Naden waltzed through flimsy defense to cross the line but the try was over-ruled because of obstruction.

It just was not the Tigers’ night and it does not get any easier for them as they face the Sydney Roosters next Saturday.

Roosters Down Cowboys

A Sydney Roosters NRL player holds the ball as a North Queensland opponent attempts to tackle him.
Roosters five-eighth Luke Keary (right) attempts to beat Chad Townsend’s tackle.(AAP: Dan Himbrechts)

The race for the top eight is all but over after the Sydney Roosters ran through North Queensland 32-18 at the SCG.

Teenage sensation Joseph Suaalii starred with a big first half, while Sam Verrills scored a double just days after confirming he was leaving the Roosters.

Flags were flown at half-mast for the late Paul Green and the Cowboys were gutsy in the circumstances with 10 players still left from the former coach’s his time in charge of the club.

But ultimately the Roosters were too classy, ​​virtually ending North Queensland’s hopes of top spot on the ladder and handing the minor premiership to Penrith.

At the other end of the top eight, the finals race has also become clearer.

The Roosters looked in serious danger of missing the finals a month ago but have now won five straight since their round-17 bye.

Realistically, the only way they could now miss the top eight is if they lost their last three matches and Canberra win their last four.

And with the way the Roosters are playing ahead of their next game against Wests Tigers, that looks unlikely.

The Roosters controlled the match perfectly, quickly extinguishing any sniff the Cowboys had when they drew back to 10-4 and 20-10 deficits.

Matt Lodge and Jared Waerea-Hargreaves were influential in the middle as both scored tries.

And while they each topped 150 running meters, only Luciano Leilua reached three figures in the Cowboys’ pack.

Suaalii was also in everything early.

He claimed the Roosters’ first try courtesy of an under-arm harbour-bridge pass from Victor Radley.

The winger also jammed in on Scott Drinkwater and Griffin Neame with powerful hits, the second of which forced an error and line dropout before the Roosters scored soon after.

And if that was not enough, the 19-year-old also put the Roosters on the attack later in the half with another linebreak out of his own end.

Radley also had a high involvement. After the lofted ball for Suaalii’s try, I laid on a nice short pass for Lodge to stroll over along the posts.

The Roosters’ other first-half points came via Daniel Tupou on the left wing, after Murray Taulagi had briefly given the Cowboys some hope with his own try.

There was controversy, with the Roosters stretching the lead to 20-6 after the break when the Cowboys claimed Lodge had held Griffin Neame back in a scrum as Verrills went over untouched.

Cowboys captain Chad Townsend approached referee Ashley Klein after the try was given to protest but the bunker opted not to intervene and the try was confirmed.

Ultimately, the Roosters’ strength with Verrills and Waerea-Hargreaves crossing late before a consolation try for the Cowboys came via Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow.

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Izaac Thompson went almost five years without playing a game of footy. Now he’s scoring for South Sydney

A man runs the ball during an NRL match

Izaac Thompson was at home over the summer with his feet up, not thinking about footy at all.

Why would he be? He hadn’t played a game since 2017, when he was running around for the Dragons NSW Cup team. He hadn’t laced on a boot in anger since, not a single game. He did not really miss it either, he was too busy living his life.

That’s when he got the call that changed everything, from close friend and former Dragons teammate Hame Sele. It started a journey that has led Thompson to making his belated NRL debut and scoring tries in back-to-back weeks for the high-flying Rabbitohs.

“He called me and asked how I was going. I was fat as, I lied to all of them, I said I’d been training but I wasn’t doing anything,” Thompson said.

“But as soon as I got the call I put my head down and tried to work.

“I wasn’t playing anything. Nothing at all. The last time I played was 2017. The game’s a bit faster now, but the work I’ve put in is what’s got me here and now I’m reaping the rewards.”

Rabbitohs coach Jason Demetriou and his assistant Ben Hornby had coached Thompson as a junior at the Dragons and brought him in for pre-season.

From there, Thompson has gone from strength to strength. He scored 20 tries in 16 games for South Sydney’s NSW Cup side before getting the call for his first-grade debut with last week’s win over the Warriors.

Thompson dotted down on debut, crossed again in Friday night’s big win over Parramatta and generally looked like he’d been on the cusp of first grade for some time.

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Given most mature-age rookies spend years slogging it out in reserve grade before they earn a shot at the big time, Thompson’s return from his sabbatical is one of the most extraordinary rises of any NRL debutant in recent times.

“I just needed time off. I just had my little one and some stuff happened, I just needed to get away from the game. Footy is a busy sport and you’re away from your family a lot,” Thompson said.

“I got to spend four years with my daughter, so it was good for me.

“I was pretty happy, I didn’t really want to come back to be honest. But my daughter, I wanted to do it for her, I was trying to make ends meet and I’m just lucky I’m good at football .

“I was doing heaps of different jobs, anything I could, and then JD [Rabbitohs coach Jason Demetriou] and Ben Hornby saved me. They gave me the lifeline and I grabbed it with both hands.”

Thompson had a lifetime to prepare for his first NRL game compared to just six days for his second, but he might be waiting a week or two for his third.

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Manase Fainu, Manly NRL player who stabbed church youth leader, to remain on bail

A Manly NRL player stands outside Parramatta District Court.

Manly Sea Eagles NRL player Manase Fainu will remain on bail over the weekend after being found guilty of stabbing a church youth leader in a brawl outside a Sydney dance.

The 24-year-old pleaded not guilty to wounding Faamanu Levi with intent to cause grievous bodily harm at Wattle Grove late at night on October 25, 2019.

In his evidence to the Parramatta District Court jury, he denied being the stabber saying when he heard “knife knife” he ran away scared for his own safety.

But the jurors took just over two hours to return a guilty verdict on Thursday afternoon, prompting prosecutor Emma Curran to apply for immediate detention.

Judge Nanette Williams adjourned the application until Monday because of the late hour and because Friday’s industrial strike by prison officers would mean he could not be taken into custody if she so ruled.

Fainu’s barrister, Margaret Cunneen SC, opposed the application saying he had not breached any bail conditions over the last three years.

“This obviously will be appealed as a perverse verdict in view of the evidence,” she said.

Noting it would be surprising if full-time custody was not imposed, the judge ordered Fainu to report to police daily, live with his parents and not leave the address without one of them, and not contact any witnesses.

Tony Quach testified to seeing Fainu plunge a steak knife into the back of Mr Levi in ​​the car park brawl, referring to him looking angry and wearing a sling.

The jury was told the footballer had recently undergone shoulder surgery and had his arm in a sling that evening.

The stabbing occurred after an earlier fight on the dancefloor of the alcohol-free charity event organized by the Church of the Latter Day Saints.

Ms Cunneen had submitted that in the heat of the moment, with the darkness, chaos and speed of it unfolding, the jury could not be certain who stabbed Mr Levi.

But they could be certain the NRL hooker, never before in trouble for any violence, did not, she said.

The jurors were told Fainu and his friend Uona Faingaa were involved in the dancefloor fight and ushered outside by Mr Levi who told them not to fight on church grounds.

CCTV footage showed Fainu with a white towel draped over his head and his four friends jumping back over a fence and into a car park where the brawl occurred with Mr Levi.

Ms Curran contended that when things looked like they were getting out of hand, Fainu pulled out the knife and plunged it into Mr Levi’s back.

“Not content with having stabbed him once … [Fainu] moved around to the front of Mr Levi and swung the knife upwards towards [his] face cutting him across the eyebrow,” Ms Curran said.

“Then he ran back to the car.”

Another witness involved in the brawl told the court that he saw a male in a sling approach his brother holding a knife.

“The accused was the only person in a sling. And a sling is quite a distinctive feature,” Ms Curran said.

She argued that Fainu was an unimpressive and evasive witness who gave contradictory and occasionally fanciful answers.

She asked the jury to reject such evidence including his reason for scaling a three-metre tall brick fence to get back onto the church grounds, rather than entering through the front gate, because “it was easier”.

He told the jury the white towel draped over his head was a “security blanket” doused in cold water because he had a headache, not to hide his identity.

Fainu also denied holding, seeing, or knowing of a weapon being brought that evening.

He was stood down under the NRL’s no-fault policy when charged in late October 2019.

Fainu played 34 NRL matches across the 2018 and 2019 seasons.

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Paul Green’s sudden death leaves Johnathan Thurston ‘absolutely devastated’

North Queensland Cowboys coach Paul Green clasps hands with Johnathan Thurston after the 2015 NRL grand final.

North Queensland Cowboys great Johnathan Thurston flew back home to be with his family after he was left “absolutely devastated” by the news that his former coach, Paul Green, had died aged 49.

On Channel Nine’s coverage of the Panthers-Storm game in Penrith on Thursday night, Thurston, the co-captain and Clive Churchill medalist of Green’s premiership-winning Cowboys side, was absent.

After hearing the news of Green’s death, Cameron Smith said he spent a few hours with Thurston in Sydney on Thursday afternoon before his friend, colleague and former Maroons teammate returned home to be with his family and his beloved North Queensland community.

“[Thurston] was absolutely devastated, as were many of the players and his teammates in that Cowboys outfit led by Paul Green,” Smith said.

“We just want to send our best wishes to all those players and particularly our mate JT. We feel for you, as the entire rugby league community do.

“For everyone that was involved with Paul Green and his family, we wish you all the very best.”

Many other Cowboys premiership players posted messages of sadness on social media, including Michael Morgan, John Asiata and Ben Hannant.

A minute’s silence was observed before Thursday’s game at Penrith Stadium and others will be held before every NRL game this round.

Paul Green's image is displayed on the big screen during a minute's silence before an NRL game at Penrith Stadium.
A minute’s silence was held before the Panthers vs. Storm game on Thursday night, just hours after news of Green’s death emerged.(Getty: Cameron Spencer)

Cowboys coach reflects on opportunities Green gave him

North Queensland plays the Roosters in Sydney on Saturday afternoon.

Cowboys coach Todd Payten said the club had to “put our arms around each other” after a difficult 24 hours.

“It’s a good reminder of how fortunate we are to do what we are able to do,” he said.

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Paul Green fondly remembered by Cronulla and Queensland teammate Mat Rogers

An archive photo of Paul Green passing the ball for Cronulla during a match in 1996.

A shocked Mat Rogers says his former rugby league teammate, Paul Green, will be remembered as an “incredible competitor” who never took a backward step.

The rugby league world is in mourning following the sudden death of 49-year-old Green, who represented Queensland in State of Origin and was a premiership-winning coach.

Rogers spent the past weekend in Sydney with Green at a Cronulla players reunion, with the pair having been teammates at the Sharks for three seasons since 1995.

They were roommates in the Queensland Super League representative team in 1997, before spending two years together in the Maroons State of Origin side.

Paul Green in Origin jersey raising his hand.
Paul Green represented Queensland in State of Origin.(Getty Images: Darren England)

Green later enjoyed a successful coaching career, guiding North Queensland to its first NRL premiership in 2015.

Rogers said he and Green played golf and then sat next to each other to watch the Sharks beat St George Illawarra on Saturday night.

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“It was great — we played golf on Friday together and spent time at the reunion together,” Rogers said.

“He was telling me about the new boat he’d just bought for the family and I was looking forward to going for a ride.

“I can’t believe he’s gone… it makes me appreciate that time I got to spend with him.”

Rogers said half-back Green — who stood at just 167 centimeters tall — played well above his diminutive size.

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