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Cagefighter decks two NRL stars

20/08/2008 9:18:00 AM.  | Nick Markham | Rugbyleaguelive.com
A convicted criminal who dabbles in cage fighting has decked NRL stars Greg Bird and Nick Youngquest in an incident at a Cronulla bar over the weekend.

According to New Limited reports, a man known only as Danyan hit Youngquest from behind with a heavy blow at Sting Bar at around 6pm on Sunday.

When Origin and Test star Bird came in to lend his support, Danyan put one on the Sharks utility's chin as well.

The two NRL stars were not aware Danyan was a cage fighter who had recently been released from jail.

Sharks CEO Tony Zappia was quick to defend his controversy-prone star.

"Greg went for a few beers when some bloke belted Nick Youngquest - he king-hit him in the jaw,'' Zappia told News Limited.

"Birdy then went in and he got whacked too. Birdy then wrestled the bloke to the ground before security intervened and escorted the bloke out of the premises.

"All Greg was doing was protecting Nick Youngquest. This happened at 6pm and Birdy was home by 8.30pm.''

"Greg did nothing wrong,'' Zappia said.

"It wasn't late at night and he wasn't intoxicated. He didn't leave our fan day until 3.30pm and this happened at 6pm. Greg was very open and honest with the club. He came straight to myself and Ricky (Stuart, Sharks coach) and told us what happened.''

A witness to the incident told News Limited: "Greg is old school. He went straight in to help his mate. The bloke really cleaned up Youngquest. He was a bit mad.''

Bulldogs star Daniel Holdsworth was present in the bar but took no part in the drama.

Youngquest has been cleared of any blame by the Bulldogs, but has been issued a reprimand.

Bulldogs CEO Todd Greenberg confirmed to New Limited that Youngquest was attacked.

"Nick copped a whack,'' he said.

"I can't find out a reason as to why it happened but the players (Youngquest and Holdsworth) claimed it wasn't their fault.

"Bird came in over the top - he did the right thing. The lunatic was then kicked out. Nick and Bird went outside and got a taxi home. They just wanted to get away. It is a reminder that players need to be very careful about where they go for a drink and the type of people they mix with.''

Macquarie National News

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COMMENTS

Wednesday, 20 August 2008

Why is it that the NRL guys always tick people off wherever they go?

Posted by: Andy Shaver, Sydney

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Wednesday, 20 August 2008

Um, they did nothing. It was an unprovoked attack Andy. Read facts before commenting on articles in future.

Posted by: Tim C, Lisarow

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Wednesday, 20 August 2008

Andy, it's their Hollier than Thou attitude. Because they play a hard game which is stuck with the " play hard live harder" culture. I laughed a tad when it was said they had done nothing. Llike if they were guilty of provoking the arguement, they would have stood up and said so?? Yeah right, you can see the Honest 'ol me attitude when they calim a try they know full well they didnt get. Watch the replay, see how they fumbled the try and then show disgust at the no try ? League the DYING Game!

Posted by: Nick Again, Maryborough

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Wednesday, 20 August 2008

How can Todd Greenberg claim that "Bird came in over the top - he did the right thing"? Basically, he is condoning one of his players assaulting another person (a crime!), when it had nothing to do with Bird in the first place. All this crap about sticking up for your mate is a crock! If they were your mate, they wouldn't be in a position where they needed to fight anyway! Just because this guy is an ex-con and cage-fighter doesn't mean that these meat-head footballers didn't provoke him!

Posted by: Matt Cater, Brookvale

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Friday, 22 August 2008

take a look at S 418 Crimes Act 1900 (NSW) before you claim that Bird getting involved in the altercation was assault. Your ridiculous claim would then mean that the intervening security assaulted the offender as well.It would also mean that ANY person who broke up ANY fight ANYWHERE would be guilty of assualt. Best to understand the law and its application before making silly statements about it.

Posted by: Adam Hunt, Macquarie Fields

 

Wednesday, 20 August 2008

So you're willing to believe your own speculation as opposed to what's been reported? How little idea you all have is illustrated by Matt Cater - Bird is a Cronulla player for whom Todd Greenberg has NO responsibility.

Posted by: Tim C, Lisarow

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Wednesday, 20 August 2008

They say its a hard game but its not actually. Most of the time they are standing around doing nothing because the game stops all the time. Only a few players are involved at any one time. This is another reason why the fans have left NRL because they have finally realised how boring it is. No skill required. Hopefully union will become more popular and get the stadiums they deserve.

Posted by: Andy Shaver, Sydney

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Thursday, 21 August 2008

Matt Cater obviously greg bird did the right thing, and if you dont agree then you're just a wimp and a coward!! Helping a friend who is getting beaten up is what any honourable MAN would do. But its ok you can just leave your mates to get hammered while you sit back and squirm. Also i think you over-looked the fact that even if he was provoked, lashing out with assault is a crime therefore greg was right to do what he did.. coward

Posted by: Lachlan Mariu, Auckland

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Thursday, 21 August 2008

Bird doesn't seem to find trouble, it just happens to know where he is all of the time!

Posted by: thinker of the smart state of QLD, QLD

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