Former Queensland State of Origin star Wayne Bartrim is set to sue Channel Nine's flagship current affair program, A Current Affair, after a story aired by the program about the financial collapse of his gym.
According to documents tendered in the Brisbane Supreme Court, Bartrim will assert the program inaccurately portrayed him as a conman in a story about the collapse in 2007.
The former NRL star bought Alive Gym and Fitness at Lawnton, north of Brisbane, as an investment in his post-football future, but was declared bankrupt in May 2006 when the business failed.
A Current Affair ran the story in June last year, containing what Bartrim claims are defamatory and factually inaccurate assertions.
He says claims he stole money from gym members, took equipment from the gym, engaged in deceptive and illegal practices, and that he relied on his good reputation for immoral purposes were all untrue.
Bartrim has been given until October 3 to commence proceedings.