Cowboys disown Faumuina, pub faces probe - Sports News - Fanatics - the world's biggest events

Cowboys disown Faumuina, pub faces probe

11/09/2008 06:57:22 PM Comments (0)

North Queensland Cowboys officials have distanced themselves from Sione Faumuina after the New Zealand international became the latest rugby league player arrested and charged by police over an alcohol-fuelled incident.

The 27-year-old, who will play for English Super League club Castleford next year, was today charged with wilful damage and disorderly conduct on a licensed premises following his arrest at the Uber nightclub in Brisbane's West End around 1.30am (AEST) Thursday.

Faumuina is scheduled to appear in the Brisbane Magistrates court on September 25.

The charges follow a separate incident in June, when he was alleged to have thrown a glass at a mirror in the same Brisbane nightclub where Cronulla player Greg Bird was handcuffed by police after playing in the NSW Origin side thrashed 30-0 by Queensland.

It is understood that Faumuina, who was sacked by the New Zealand Warriors in August 2006 before joining the Cowboys, underwent behavioural counselling earlier this year, and agreed to conditions laid down by club management.

Cowboys chief executive Peter Parr today said the club would have torn up Faumuina's contract had he still be on the NRL club's books.

"As far as the North Queensland Cowboys are concerned, Sione was released from all of his obligations at this club when he boarded the plane to leave Townsville," Mr Parr said.

"At that point he was no longer recognised as a player at the club.

"We are really disappointed that he has let the Cowboys down once released from his obligations.

"If he was still our player he would have been terminated immediately based on the terms and conditions applied to him previously.

"We are clearly disappointed that after all the assistance we have given him over the past two years, our reward is this sort of behaviour."

Faumuina played his last game for the Cowboys against the Sharks last weekend, making 27 tackles and 12 hit ups.

Castleford Tigers coach and former Brisbane Broncos foundation player Terry Matterson signed the New Zealander to a one-year contract for the 2009 season.

Meanwhile, the nightclub at the centre of two incidents involving footballers could face restrictions to its liquor licence.

Queensland Treasurer Andrew Fraser confirmed the government's liquor licensing unit was investigating this morning's incident and would act if necessary.

"Trading is a privilege and not a right and if it is the case that the establishment has contributed to a range of incidents then consequences flow from that," Mr Fraser told reporters.

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