NRL star IS fined $10,000 and charged with assaulting a security guard at a pub – as his club stands him down for ‘bringing them into disrepute’
- Suliasi Vunivalu, 25, has been charged over allegedly pushing a security guard
- The NRL star who has won two premierships switch to rugby union for 2021
- The Queensland Reds said Vunivalu won’t be playing season opener on Friday
The star signing for the Queensland Reds 2021 season has been stood down by the sport, fined $10,000 and charged by police after allegedly pushing a security guard.
Melbourne Storm premiership winning winger Suliasi Vunivalu, 25, was dropped from the Super Rugby season opener this Friday over the alleged January 30 incident at a Brisbane venue.
The Queensland Reds said the Fijian had ‘brought the club and game into disrepute’.
Vunivalu (pictured with a friend) made the switch to rugby union in 2021 after leaving Melbourne Storm
Police have charged the 25-year-old with allegedly pushing a security guard at a Brisbane pub
His club said on Tuesday afternoon they had also issued Vunivalu with a written warning and that Rugby Australia and Queensland Rugby Union were also informed.
‘The matter is ongoing before the court and will be reviewed by RA and QRU once it is resolved,’ a spokesperson for the club said in a statement.
The security guard was not injured and the incident has been described as ‘minor’.
‘QRU have taken the immediate step to stand down Vunivalu for Friday’s match against NSW Waratahs for bringing the club and the game into disrepute.’
Queensland Police confirmed to Daily Mail Australia that Vunivalu was charged with common assault.
The club said he was also fined $10,000 and has been offered counselling and support.
‘Rugby Australia and the Queensland Rugby Union takes its position within the community very seriously and aims to uphold the highest standards of behaviour’.
The Queensland Reds said their star signing won’t be playing the season opening game on Friday
The winger has won two premierships in his 111 game career for the Storm, in 2017 and 2020, and has also played footy representing Fiji.
He also spoke on Tuesday afternoon addressing the incident.
‘I wanted to speak today and not hide away but I am constrained with what I can say today as the matter in ongoing before the court,’ he said.
‘I am embarrassed to be in this position and I apologise to the QRU and my teammates.’
Vunivalu has won two premierships in his 111 games with Melbourne Storm
