Embattled former rugby league star Curtis Scott has been given the green light to fight in a bare-knuckle boxing match less than a month after he allegedly assaulted two people.
The 28-year-old former Melbourne Storm and Canberra Raiders player was granted bail with strict conditions after he was arrested over an alleged altercation at the Sydney Cricket Ground in March.
Police allege he and his 55-year-old mother, Dianna Allen, assaulted an 18-year-old following an argument after a Sydney Swans AFL game.
The teen was treated by paramedics for facial injuries before being taken to hospital.
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.
Ex-NRL star Curtis Scott (pictured outside a Sydney court on Wednesday) has been granted bail with strict conditions
The ex-Raiders and Storm star is facing charges of affray, assault occasioning actual bodily harm and assaulting a police officer
Scott (pictured with American police) and his mother allegedly assaulted an 18-year-old following an argument after a Sydney Swans AFL game
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.
