Newcastle second-rower Jermaine McEwen has been referred to the NRL integrity unit over a driving charge that he will face court for later this month.
Nine Newspapers reported that the 21-year-old has been charged by police with low-range drink driving and driving with a suspended licence.
AAP has been told the incident, which was reported by the Knights to the NRL integrity unit after McEwen informed Newcastle bosses, is the one that the club is referring to in a statement issued on Wednesday afternoon.
‘A thorough process continues to be undertaken by all parties required,’ the club said.
‘Until due process is completed, the Newcastle Knights will not make any further comment.’
McEwen has been listed in the side to play Melbourne at AAMI Park on Friday night
Newcastle second-rower Jermaine McEwen (pictured) has been charged by police with low-range drink driving and driving with a suspended licence
The Knights star (pictured) will face court later this month
McEwen (pictured running the ball) has played 28 NRL games
The incident is a glitch for McEwen, who has turned himself into an 80-minute back-rower for the Knights this season under coach Justin Holbrook.
McEwen has missed just 21 minutes of action in the 12 consecutive matches he has played this year and has been a prime mover in the side’s surge to fourth position on the ladder.
Such has been his strong form and rise through the club’s pathways system that the 2023 SG Ball player of the year was re-signed by Newcastle last month until the end of 2028.
‘Jermaine continues to exceed our expectations this year,’ Holbrook said when the contract extension was announced.
