Qld: Police question rugby league players over rape allegation
By Wayne Heming and Angela Harper01 Mar 2009 7:36 PM
Eds: Closes earlier story
BRISBANE, March 1 AAP - A number of reserve grade rugby league players have been interviewed by police over the alleged rape of a woman in Queensland, a club boss says.
The 23-year-old woman was allegedly raped at a hotel in Caloundra at about 2.30am (AEST) on Sunday.
The woman appeared on television showing bruising on her throat, which she said she received in the alleged attack.
"She was screaming her lungs out and crying and no one didn't care," her father told the Seven Network.
Balmain Tigers chairman David Trodden confirmed that police had interviewed a number of players from its NSW Cup team over the alleged assault.
"I know there were some allegations made to police at Caloundra," Mr Trodden told AAP.
"And I know that the club and a couple of the players cooperated with police in relation to those allegations."
Police said they were investigating an alleged rape involving a number of people, but would not confirm the identity of those interviewed.
"We are looking into an alleged rape up at Caloundra," a police spokesman told AAP.
No one has been charged.
NRL chief executive David Gallop said he had already been alerted to the alleged incident by Mr Trodden.
"He told me that there'd been a complaint but the current feedback from police was that it would not be pursued," Mr Gallop told AAP.
"The NRL will continue to monitor developments closely.
"They're technically not NRL players but obviously we still take a big interest.
"It's really now a matter for the police at this stage.
Mr Trodden said the club would also investigate the allegations.
The Balmain Ryde Eastwood Tigers players questioned were involved in curtain-raiser to Saturday night's NRL pre-season clash between Brisbane and Melbourne at Stockland Park watched by more than 8,000 fans.
