Share and Follow
Former rugby league player Curtis Scott, who has recently found himself in legal hot water, is now set to step into the world of bare-knuckle boxing. This decision comes just weeks after Scott was accused of assaulting two individuals.
At 28, Scott, who previously played for the Melbourne Storm and Canberra Raiders, has been granted bail under strict conditions following his arrest linked to the alleged incident at the Sydney Cricket Ground this past March.
Authorities claim that Scott, alongside his 55-year-old mother Dianna Allen, was involved in a physical altercation with an 18-year-old. The incident reportedly took place after a Sydney Swans AFL game and left the teenager needing medical attention for facial injuries, ultimately requiring hospital care.
The situation escalated when police attempted to engage Scott on a tram at Moore Park. Allegedly, Scott attacked a police officer during this encounter, causing minor injuries, before making his escape from the scene.
Police stopped a tram at Moore Park and attempted to speak to Scott but he allegedly assaulted a police officer – who sustained minor injuries – before fleeing the scene.
Scott wore all black as he faced Sydney’s Downing Centre Local Court on Wednesday to plead not guilty to affray, assault occasioning actual bodily harm and assaulting a police officer.
His solicitor Paul McGirr asked the court to vary Scott’s bail conditions to allow him to fight in an upcoming bare-knuckle boxing match in Brisbane.
The former centre, once among the NRL’s brightest young stars, pivoted to boxing after his NRL contract was cancelled in 2021 following an altercation at a nightclub.
“He has a job and his main income is from fighting, sanctioned fights,” Mr McGirr said.
“This is his craft and this is what he’s good at.”
He noted Scott, like many rugby league players, had the potential to “go by the wayside” after his career ended because the “sugar hit” of the high income had suddenly dissipated.
But the one-time premiership winner has redirected his talents and found steady employment, Mr McGirr said.
Scott has abstained from alcohol and embraced weekly treatment, his lawyer said, but the night-time curfew should be removed to allow him to work in Queensland.
The suggestion was opposed by the prosecutor, who said the former NRL player has been charged over a “significant incident of violence” and has a history of violence.
The alleged confrontation with the teen involved “significant ferocity and force”, Judge Michael Allen noted.
He acknowledged concerns about the safety of the community and the commission of further offences but highlighted Scott’s adherence to treatment.
The judge lifted the curfew, clearing the way for the former NRL player to fight later this month.
Scott will return to court in May and his mother will face court on Thursday.
She has been charged with common assault and hindering a police officer in the execution of duty but has not yet entered pleas.
Her son played 84 NRL games during his career, including a stint in the Storm’s 2017 premiership-winning side.
NEVER MISS A STORY: Get your breaking news and exclusive stories first by following us across all platforms.