QLD: League player fined over nightclub assault

AAP General News (Australia)
12-10-2003
QLD: League player fined over nightclub assault

By Ainsley Pavey

BRISBANE, Dec 10 AAP - Up and coming rugby league winger Semi Tadulala has been left
embarrassed after copping a $250 fine over a nightclub assault in Brisbane.

The 25-year-old former Melbourne Storm player, who heads to England tomorrow to take
up a two-year contract with Super League team Wakefield, faced court today over the incident.

He had been out partying to celebrate his departure with former Melbourne and Saint
George player John Wilshire and Melbourne Storm's Josh Lavan.

Brisbane-based Tadulala, who played 13 games for Melbourne, was released by the club
two months ago.

He was flanked by Lavan as he pleaded guilty to a charge of assault occasioning bodily
harm in Brisbane's Magistrates Court today.

The charge arose from a clash at the Fringe Bar in inner city Fortitude Valley which
quickly turned sour in the early hours of December 7.

Queensland police were called to the bar after receiving a complaint that Tadulala
had punched Nicholas Devenuto in the face, cutting his right jaw.

Tadulala was ushered from the toilets of the club and into a police car to be taken
to the local police station for questioning.

He was charged with the offence two hours later in Brisbane city watch house.

Tadulala was given 12 hours to pay his fine by Brisbane Magistrate Bernadette Callaghan
before leaving the country.

Magistrate Callaghan opted against recording a conviction.

Outside court after the hearing, Tadulala was still at a loss to explain the incident.

The Fijian-born flier said he had been dancing when he "bumped" Mr Devenuto who then
fell onto his girlfriend and spilt her drink.

Tadulala said he immediately apologised and offered to buy another, lining up at the
crowded bar to make the purchase.

He said he was waiting to get served when he was pushed by Mr Devenuto, demanding the drink.

"I wasn't drunk or anything, I was just a bit frustrated that he kept pushing me," Tadulala said.

He said he pushed his victim back and the next thing he knew a bouncer came and said:
"I'd get out of here if I was you".

"I was a bit disappointed in myself ... I have never been in a police car like that.

I was very embarrassed."

AAP ap/tma/bwl

KEYWORD: TADULALA

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