Official Tevita Latu

[Google News]

... Telegraph reported the Sharks utility bloodied and broke the nose of 19-year-old Brooke Peninton after an alleged incident at a service station in Cronulla. ...

Source: http://www.theage.com.au/news/Sport/Claims-Sharks-Tevita-Latu-punched-woman/2006/05/22/1148150192692.html

Claims Sharks' Tevita Latu punched woman
May 22, 2006
© 2006 AAP

Cronulla rugby league player Tevita Latu has been stood down pending an investigation after claims he punched a teenage girl in the face.

The Daily Telegraph reported the Sharks utility bloodied and broke the nose of 19-year-old Brooke Peninton after an alleged incident at a service station in Cronulla.

Peninton claimed Latu had struck her after he threw chips, dirt and bark at her outside the service station at about 3am on Monday.

"He punched me in the face," Peninton told The Daily Telegraph.

"I fell back and hit my head on the concrete.

"When I put my hand to my face there was blood everywhere."

The incident was reported to have been witnessed by about a dozen onlookers, including a Bulldogs player who came to blows with Latu as he attempted to calm him down.

Sharks chief executive Greg Pierce confirmed he was aware of the matter and had spoken to the teenager involved.

"I've spoken to the lady concerned," Pierce told Sky News.

"Our first priority was to make sure she was looked after and any issues that she's got, that we handle that.

"She's comfortable with where everything is at the moment.

"Now that we've made sure she's okay, we've now got to address the issue of the player concerned."

Pierce wasn't certain whether the incident would end up in the hands of police, but stressed that regardless the NRL club was viewing it as "serious".

"It could be (a police matter). I guess that's up to the girl concerned," he said.

"But irrespective of that, whether it is or not, doesn't change the fact that we see it as serious and could have serious consequences and obviously we've got to take the appropriate action."

 

[Yahoo News]

Latu suspended after alleged assault

CRONULLA's firebrand hooker Tevita Latu has been suspended pending an investigation into an allegedly unprovoked assault involving a woman in the early hours of Monday morning. -

Source: http://www.smh.com.au/news/league/latu-suspended-after-alleged-assault/2006/05/22/1148150193106.html

Latu suspended after alleged assault
May 23, 2006
Jacquelin Magnay

CRONULLA's firebrand hooker Tevita Latu has been suspended pending an investigation into an allegedly unprovoked assault involving a woman in the early hours of Monday morning.

Latu, 24, allegedly struck the woman, believed to be aged around 20, while she was waiting for a taxi with a group of people outside a service station along the Kingsway, Cronulla, after frequenting a local nightclub.

It is understood the incident was witnessed by several people and was "out of the blue". "She didn't see it coming," said a source.

The woman, who was not known to Latu, was shaken and shocked, but it is not clear whether she has reported the alleged assault to police. The club was notified by the woman's friend, who is the daughter of a local identity.

Latu, a Kiwi international who joined the Sharks from the Warriors at the beginning of the season, had spent the night at Cronulla commiserating the loss of Sunday's tight game to the Bulldogs.

Last night Cronulla chief executive Greg Pierce said he had been unable to speak to Latu to get his version of events.

"However, he has been stood down pending a full investigation," Pierce said. "We are taking this issue very, very seriously and it could have serious consequences.

"We will be conducting a full investigation to find out what went on and that investigation will occur whether the police are involved or not."

NRL chief executive David Gallop said he was expecting a full report from the club first thing today.

"It is clearly a very serious matter," Gallop said. The NRL has been particularly sensitive to the image of footballers and their treatment of women ever since the alleged group sex attack on a Coffs Harbour woman following a Bulldogs pre-season trial match two years ago.

 

[Google News]

Latu allegedly punched a girl

... Telegraph reported the Sharks utility bloodied and broke the nose of 19-year-old Brooke Peninton after an alleged incident at a service station in Cronulla. ...

Source: http://tvnz.co.nz/view/page/536641/720528

Latu faces long ban
6:57PM Tuesday May 23, 2006
Source: AAP

Cronulla hooker Tevita Latu could be banned from rugby league for years after he admitted to his NRL club that he punched a teenaged woman in the face.

Latu was charged on Tuesday with assault after allegedly breaking the 19-year-old's nose.

If the Sharks terminate his two-year contract, it is understood the NRL will refuse to re-register him and so prevent another club from signing him.

When asked whether Latu's contract was under threat, Cronulla chief executive Greg Pierce said: "I dare say it is."

Latu, 24, has been suspended by the club while it conducts its own inquiry.

NRL chief executive David Gallop said the league would await the outcome of Cronulla's investigation.

"After that we will determine what further investigations and action will be taken by the league," Gallop said.

As the NRL is particularly sensitive about its players' treatment of women, Latu is likely to be put out of the game for a lengthy period.

Pierce spoke today with Latu and the woman, Brooke Peninton.

Peninton claims Latu punched her in the face outside a service station in Cronulla at around 3.30am yesterday.

"He told me pretty much exactly the same story," Pierce said.

Pierce will speak to more witnesses and the police before deciding what actionto take against Latu whose contract expires at the end of next year.

The incident occurred several hours after the New Zealand international played in the Sharks' loss to the Bulldogs at Telstra Stadium.

Pierce said Cronulla would pay Peninton's medical expenses and any costs incurred from being off work.

He said he was angered by the second embarrassing public incident involving Sharks players this month.

"I just shook my head. I was very disappointed, very frustrated, a bit cranky, a bit angry," Pierce said.

"I didn't get to speak to him until today. I'd calmed down a bit, so I didn't really take it out on him.

"But he didn't need to be told, he's aware of it anyway - he was upset and remorseful. But I didn't sugar coat it."

Latu's incident comes three weeks after forwards Darren Mapp and Luke Harlen were fined for drunken behaviour in a Circular Quay hotel.

But Pierce was sure there wasn't a growing culture of anti-social behaviour at the club.

"I don't think there is. This wasn't a club thing, it was an individual player and there weren't any other players there," he said.

"We've had a couple of incidents this year, but not had anything in previous years. They're good people at the club."

Gallop was concerned police have again been called to an incident involving a rugby league player.

"It's a very alarming situation and we are very concerned about it," he said.

Latu joined Cronulla from the NZ Warriors this season and had been out drinking following Sunday's game.

Pierce said he would speak with senior players and management about the prospect of a curfew or alcohol restrictions, which he admitted would be hard to impose.

Peninton told police she was punched once in the face after she and Latu became involved in an altercation while talking outside the BP service station in Kingsway.

She fell to the ground and was helped up and taken to Sutherland hospital by a friend and an unnamed Bulldogs player.

Latu was arrested at his Miranda home at 11.30pm last night and charged with assault occasioning actual bodily harm.

He was granted police bail to face Sutherland Local Court on June 15.

 

[Google News]

Cronulla investigating Tevita Latu

Latu now plays for Cronulla in the NRL. Club Chief Executive Greg Pierce says the allegation is serious, and he has promised to investigate the matter fully. ...

Source: http://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/newsdetail1.asp?storyID=96202

Cronulla investigating Tevita Latu
23/05/2006 7:32:02

Former Warrior Tevita Latu is being investigated for a late night incident, allegedly involving a young woman.

Latu now plays for Cronulla in the NRL.

Club Chief Executive Greg Pierce says the allegation is serious, and he has promised to investigate the matter fully.

Pierce says he has met with the girl involved, and the first priority is to make sure she is looked after.

He says she is deciding whether or not to press charges.

He says irrespective of that, the club sees the incident as serious, and it could have serious consequences.

 

[Google News]

Sharks player stood down after assault claim

Cronulla Sharks hooker Tevita Latu has been stood down indefinitely by the club over assault allegations. The 24-year-old has been ...

Source: http://www.abc.net.au/sport/content/200605/s1644821.htm

Sharks sack Latu over alleged assault
23 May 2006 19:07 (AEDT)Tuesday, 23 May 2006. 18:07

Tevita Latu... will face court after being charged with assault. Getty Images

Cronulla Sharks utility Tevita Latu has been sacked by the club after being charged with assault.

Latu is to face court, accused of punching a young woman in the face and breaking her nose in front of a Cronulla service station early on Monday morning.

Latu apologised but at a meeting of the Cronulla board late on Tuesday afternoon he was told his contract would be torn up.

In a statement, Cronulla chief executive officer Greg Pierce said he wanted to make clear that the club's investigation was separate to those being undertaken by police and should not prejudice pending court proceedings.

But Mr Pierce said he and the Sharks board of directors had no choice but to sack Latu.

"While Tevita is extremely upset and remorseful, the club felt it had no choice other than to come to the decision it has, which is to terminate his contract with the Sharks, effective immediately," he said.

"We can in no way condone this type of anti-social behviour."

Latu read a prepared statement to waiting media:

"I am sorry for any embarrassment caused to the Sharks and to the NRL," he said.

"I have let down myself and my team-mates with my poor behavior on Sunday night.

"I should never have put myself in that situation by being where I was at that time of night. I'm not sure what my future holds but will try to put this behind me and move on."

The Sharks also met with the alleged victim of the assault, 19-year-old Brooke Peninton, on Tuesday afternoon and offered their ongoing support.

They have agreed to pay her medical expenses.

The National Rugby League said it supported Cronulla's actions and has deregistered the former New Zealand international.

The NRL said it was unlikely it would allow the 24-year-old Latu to return to the code in the near future.

"Given the information that we have from Cronulla, it would be hard to imagine a time when we would accept a future registration from the player," NRL chief executive David Gallop said in a statement.

"Rugby league has been at the forefront of campaigns condemning violence against women and that makes these circumstances all the more alarming.

"We have full regard for the player's rights in any criminal proceedings that may follow but believe that given the events that we do know, and given the clear messages that have been sent to all players over recent years, that there are sufficient grounds to warrant the action we have taken.

"We will certainly make other leagues aware of the stance we have taken and would expect that they in turn will respect our decision."

Latu is due to appear in court to answer assault charges early in June.

 

[Google News]

Cronulla player breaks woman's nose

A Sydney newspaper has reported the Sharks utility bloodied and broke the nose of a 19-year-old after an alleged incident at a service station in Cronulla. ...

Source: http://www.leagueunlimited.com/article.asp?ID=10713

Cronulla player breaks woman's nose
Written by: NRL media
May 23, 2006 12:00am

Cronulla rugby league player Tevita Latu has been stood down pending an investigation after claims he punched a teenage girl in the face.

A Sydney newspaper has reported the Sharks utility bloodied and broke the nose of a 19-year-old after an alleged incident at a service station in Cronulla. Latu is alleged to have struck her after he threw chips, dirt and bark at her outside the service station at about 3am on Monday.

The incident was reported to have been witnessed by about a dozen onlookers, including a Bulldogs player who came to blows with Latu as he attempted to calm him down.

 

[Yahoo News]

Footy player charged with assault

CRONULLA rugby league player Tevita Latu has been charged with assault after allegedly breaking the nose of a teenage girl.

Source: http://www.thecouriermail.news.com.au/story/0,20797,19229107-5003402,00.html

Cronulla rugby league player Tevita Latu has been charged with assault after allegedly breaking the nose of a teenage girl.

The 19-year-old woman, named as Brooke Peninton, was allegedly punched in the face by the Sharks utility outside Cronulla's Kingsway BP service station yesterday about 3.30am (AEST).

Ms Peninton told police she attempted to talk to Latu before the pair became involved in an altercation and she was punched once in the face, causing her to fall to the ground.

She was taken to Sutherland hospital for treatment to a broken nose.

Latu, 24, was arrested at his Miranda home at 11.30pm (AEST) last night and charged with assault occasioning actual bodily harm.

He was granted police bail to face Sutherland Local Court on June 15.

 

[Yahoo News]

NRL Sharks star 'broke woman's nose'

FORMER New Zealand Test player Tevita Latu could have his first-grade rugby league contract ripped up by his club Cronulla after he allegedly punched a 19-year-old woman and broke her nose.

Source: http://www.ntnews.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,7034,19223078%255E421,00.html

FORMER New Zealand Test player Tevita Latu could have his first-grade rugby league contract ripped up by his club Cronulla after he allegedly punched a 19-year-old woman and broke her nose.

Latu, 24, who came to Sydney this year after three seasons with the Auckland-based Warriors, became involved in an argument at a petrol station in Cronulla, in Sydney's south, on Sunday night.

After the argument, a woman was taken to hospital by a Bulldogs player who was at the same petrol station. She was later released. The Cronulla Sharks and the Bulldogs had played a National Rugby League match at Telstra Stadium that afternoon, which the Bulldogs won.

The woman met Sharks chief executive Greg Pierce yesterday afternoon.

The club offered to cover her medical expenses to see a specialist and any loss of earnings.

Mr Pierce was seeking an urgent meeting with Latu.

"We're treating this extremely seriously and I want a full investigation of this incident because there could be very serious consequences for Tevita," Mr Pierce said.

"But my first priority is to the woman and making sure she is OK physically and not out of pocket.

"I want to stress that behaviour like this will not be tolerated by anyone at the club. But I need to speak with Tevita and others that were present."

A spokesman for the Bulldogs confirmed one of their first-grade players was at the petrol station but declined to name him.

"We're aware of the incident," the Bulldogs official said.

"One of our players was protecting the woman and pulled Latu away from her, assisted her and took her to hospital.

"We don't think its relevant to name the player other than to say his actions were commendable."

National Rugby League chief executive David Gallop said the Sharks had informed the league of the incident.

"It is a very serious matter and we have requested an urgent report from the club," Mr Gallop said.

It is understood that police have not been involved.

Latu played one Test for New Zealand in 2004 and has played all 10 matches of this NRL season with the Sharks, in the position of hooker and as a replacement.

 

[Yahoo News]

Sharks' Latu charged with assault

Cronulla rugby league player Tevita Latu has been charged with assault after allegedly breaking the nose of a teenage girl. -

Source: http://www.theage.com.au/news/Sport/Sharks-Latu-charged-with-assault/2006/05/23/1148150228175.html

Latu sacked from NRL over assault charge
May 23, 2006 - 11:19AM
© 2006 AAP

Cronulla hooker Tevita Latu's career is in tatters after he was charged with assault and sacked from the NRL club.

Latu was likely to be barred from the game for a lengthy period, with NRL chief executive David Gallop saying the league would not re-register the 24-year-old, preventing him from signing with another club.

Latu allegedly broke a 19-year-old woman's nose in an incident on Monday morning. He later admitted to the club he had punched the woman.

Cronulla chief executive Greg Pierce told the New Zealander at 5.30pm on Tuesday his two-year contract had been terminated.

As the NRL is particularly sensitive about its players' treatment of women, he could be out of the game for years.

"Where there's an incident which is so abhorrent to community standards it's important that strong action's taken, that's what Cronulla have done tonight," Gallop said.

"If there was to be an application to register the player with another club we would not accept that registration.

Gallop said it was "hard to imagine a time" when the NRL would consider registering Latu again.

"I would have thought it would be a matter of years rather than months," he added.

Pierce said it was a tough, but the correct decision to make.

"I don't think we had any other option," Pierce said.

"It's still tough to terminate a guy's livelihood and take away from him what he does best, but it's just unacceptable behaviour.

"We have a duty to the players, the club and the game.

"To his credit, Tevita didn't argue the decision, he was very apologetic and very remorseful."

Latu is believed to be considering returning to his native Auckland.

"I am sorry for any embarrassment caused to the Sharks and to the NRL," he said in a prepared statement.

"I have let down myself and my teammates with my poor behaviour on Sunday night.

"I should never have put myself in that situation by being where I was at that time of night."

Pierce spoke with the woman, Brooke Peninton, who claims Latu punched her in the face outside a service station in Cronulla at around 3.30am on Monday.

"He told me pretty much exactly the same story," Pierce said.

Pierce said Cronulla would pay Peninton's medical expenses and any costs incurred from being off work.

He said he was angered by the second embarrassing public incident involving Sharks players this month.

"I just shook my head. I was very disappointed, very frustrated, a bit cranky, a bit angry," Pierce said.

Latu's incident comes three weeks after Sharks forwards Darren Mapp and Luke Harlen were fined for drunken behaviour in a Circular Quay hotel.

But Pierce was sure there wasn't a growing culture of anti-social behaviour at the club.

"I don't think there is. This wasn't a club thing, it was an individual player and there weren't any other players there," he said.

Latu joined Cronulla from the NZ Warriors this season and had been out drinking following Sunday's loss to the Bulldogs.

Pierce said he would speak with senior players and management about the prospect of a curfew or alcohol restrictions, which he admitted would be hard to impose.

Peninton told police she was punched once in the face and fell to the ground after she and Latu became involved in an altercation while talking outside the BP service station on The Kingsway.

Latu was arrested at 11.30pm on Monday night and charged with assault occasioning actual bodily harm.

He will face Sutherland Local Court on June 15.

 

[wobo]

So its the kiwi boys bring voilence to the sharks, Hutch bashed one the team, that other muppet who had fire arm charges beat a player as well, now this!
Barry Pierce should make them sign a violence clause. Break it and play for free.
Lets face it we need these undersirables sad but true

 

[Google News]

Sharks player 'broke girl's nose'

The 19-year-old woman, named as Brooke Peninton, was allegedly punched in the face by the Sharks utility outside Cronulla's Kingsway BP service station ...

Source: http://www.smh.com.au/news/national/sharks-player-broke-girls-nose/2006/05/23/1148150229100.html

Sharks player 'broke girl's nose'
May 23, 2006 - 11:39AM

Accused ... Tevita Latu.

Cronulla rugby league player Tevita Latu has been charged with assault after allegedly breaking the nose of a teenage girl.

The 19-year-old woman, named as Brooke Peninton, was allegedly punched in the face by the Sharks utility outside Cronulla's Kingsway BP service station yesterday about 3.30am (AEST).

Ms Peninton told police she attempted to talk to Latu before the pair became involved in an altercation and she was punched once in the face, causing her to fall to the ground.

She was taken to Sutherland hospital for treatment to a broken nose.

Latu, 24, was arrested at his Miranda home at 11.30pm (AEST) last night and charged with assault occasioning actual bodily harm.

He was granted police bail to face Sutherland Local Court on June 15.

 

[Yahoo News]

NRL player faces sack for punching woman

Cronulla hooker Tevita Latu is facing the sack after admitting to the NRL club he punched a teenaged woman in the face. -

Source: http://www.theage.com.au/news/Sport/NRL-player-faces-sack-for-punching-woman/2006/05/23/1148150228175.html

Latu sacked from NRL over assault charge
May 23, 2006 - 11:19AM
© 2006 AAP

Cronulla hooker Tevita Latu's career is in tatters after he was charged with assault and sacked from the NRL club.

Latu was likely to be barred from the game for a lengthy period, with NRL chief executive David Gallop saying the league would not re-register the 24-year-old, preventing him from signing with another club.

Latu allegedly broke a 19-year-old woman's nose in an incident on Monday morning. He later admitted to the club he had punched the woman.

Cronulla chief executive Greg Pierce told the New Zealander at 5.30pm on Tuesday his two-year contract had been terminated.

As the NRL is particularly sensitive about its players' treatment of women, he could be out of the game for years.

"Where there's an incident which is so abhorrent to community standards it's important that strong action's taken, that's what Cronulla have done tonight," Gallop said.

"If there was to be an application to register the player with another club we would not accept that registration.

Gallop said it was "hard to imagine a time" when the NRL would consider registering Latu again.

"I would have thought it would be a matter of years rather than months," he added.

Pierce said it was a tough, but the correct decision to make.

"I don't think we had any other option," Pierce said.

"It's still tough to terminate a guy's livelihood and take away from him what he does best, but it's just unacceptable behaviour.

"We have a duty to the players, the club and the game.

"To his credit, Tevita didn't argue the decision, he was very apologetic and very remorseful."

Latu is believed to be considering returning to his native Auckland.

"I am sorry for any embarrassment caused to the Sharks and to the NRL," he said in a prepared statement.

"I have let down myself and my teammates with my poor behaviour on Sunday night.

"I should never have put myself in that situation by being where I was at that time of night."

Pierce spoke with the woman, Brooke Peninton, who claims Latu punched her in the face outside a service station in Cronulla at around 3.30am on Monday.

"He told me pretty much exactly the same story," Pierce said.

Pierce said Cronulla would pay Peninton's medical expenses and any costs incurred from being off work.

He said he was angered by the second embarrassing public incident involving Sharks players this month.

"I just shook my head. I was very disappointed, very frustrated, a bit cranky, a bit angry," Pierce said.

Latu's incident comes three weeks after Sharks forwards Darren Mapp and Luke Harlen were fined for drunken behaviour in a Circular Quay hotel.

But Pierce was sure there wasn't a growing culture of anti-social behaviour at the club.

"I don't think there is. This wasn't a club thing, it was an individual player and there weren't any other players there," he said.

Latu joined Cronulla from the NZ Warriors this season and had been out drinking following Sunday's loss to the Bulldogs.

Pierce said he would speak with senior players and management about the prospect of a curfew or alcohol restrictions, which he admitted would be hard to impose.

Peninton told police she was punched once in the face and fell to the ground after she and Latu became involved in an altercation while talking outside the BP service station on The Kingsway.

Latu was arrested at 11.30pm on Monday night and charged with assault occasioning actual bodily harm.

He will face Sutherland Local Court on June 15.

 

[Google News]

League: Kiwi NRL player in assault claim

New Zealand-born Cronulla Sharks hooker Tevita Latu has been stood down indefinitely by his club over assault allegations. The 24 ...

Source: http://www.nzherald.co.nz/section/story.cfm?c_id=4&ObjectID=10383159

Kiwi NRL player in assault claim
- RADIO AUSTRALIA

New Zealand-born Cronulla Sharks hooker Tevita Latu has been stood down indefinitely by his club over assault allegations.

The 24-year-old has been charged over an incident involving a woman at Cronulla yesterday, and is expected to face court next month.

Sharks chief executive Greg Pierce said the club had acted swiftly.

"I think we had to," he said. "My first priority was with the young girl who I met yesterday afternoon to make sure she was looked after. We’ve done that.

"I’ll be talking to her again today. I haven’t had a chance to see Tevita because of all the media and different events of yesterday afternoon."

Latu is yet to respond to the allegations.

The Sharks will conduct their own investigation into the allegations.

Mr Pierce said Latu had been stood down indefinitely.

"And then we’ll decide on further action once we get to the bottom of the incident."

Late was previously with the New Zealand Warriors before joining the Sharks this season.

 

[Yahoo News]

NRL player Latu admits punching woman

Cronulla hooker Tevita Latu could be banned from rugby league for years after he admitted to his NRL club that he punched a teenaged woman in the face. -

Source: http://www.smh.com.au/news/Sport/NRL-player-Latu-admits-punching-woman/2006/05/23/1148150228175.html

Latu sacked from NRL over assault charge
May 23, 2006 - 11:19AM
© 2006 AAP

Cronulla hooker Tevita Latu's career is in tatters after he was charged with assault and sacked from the NRL club.

Latu was likely to be barred from the game for a lengthy period, with NRL chief executive David Gallop saying the league would not re-register the 24-year-old, preventing him from signing with another club.

Latu allegedly broke a 19-year-old woman's nose in an incident on Monday morning. He later admitted to the club he had punched the woman.

Cronulla chief executive Greg Pierce told the New Zealander at 5.30pm on Tuesday his two-year contract had been terminated.

As the NRL is particularly sensitive about its players' treatment of women, he could be out of the game for years.

"Where there's an incident which is so abhorrent to community standards it's important that strong action's taken, that's what Cronulla have done tonight," Gallop said.

"If there was to be an application to register the player with another club we would not accept that registration.

Gallop said it was "hard to imagine a time" when the NRL would consider registering Latu again.

"I would have thought it would be a matter of years rather than months," he added.

Pierce said it was a tough, but the correct decision to make.

"I don't think we had any other option," Pierce said.

"It's still tough to terminate a guy's livelihood and take away from him what he does best, but it's just unacceptable behaviour.

"We have a duty to the players, the club and the game.

"To his credit, Tevita didn't argue the decision, he was very apologetic and very remorseful."

Latu is believed to be considering returning to his native Auckland.

"I am sorry for any embarrassment caused to the Sharks and to the NRL," he said in a prepared statement.

"I have let down myself and my teammates with my poor behaviour on Sunday night.

"I should never have put myself in that situation by being where I was at that time of night."

Pierce spoke with the woman, Brooke Peninton, who claims Latu punched her in the face outside a service station in Cronulla at around 3.30am on Monday.

"He told me pretty much exactly the same story," Pierce said.

Pierce said Cronulla would pay Peninton's medical expenses and any costs incurred from being off work.

He said he was angered by the second embarrassing public incident involving Sharks players this month.

"I just shook my head. I was very disappointed, very frustrated, a bit cranky, a bit angry," Pierce said.

Latu's incident comes three weeks after Sharks forwards Darren Mapp and Luke Harlen were fined for drunken behaviour in a Circular Quay hotel.

But Pierce was sure there wasn't a growing culture of anti-social behaviour at the club.

"I don't think there is. This wasn't a club thing, it was an individual player and there weren't any other players there," he said.

Latu joined Cronulla from the NZ Warriors this season and had been out drinking following Sunday's loss to the Bulldogs.

Pierce said he would speak with senior players and management about the prospect of a curfew or alcohol restrictions, which he admitted would be hard to impose.

Peninton told police she was punched once in the face and fell to the ground after she and Latu became involved in an altercation while talking outside the BP service station on The Kingsway.

Latu was arrested at 11.30pm on Monday night and charged with assault occasioning actual bodily harm.

He will face Sutherland Local Court on June 15.

 

[Yahoo News]

Booted out

SHARKS rugby league star Tevita Latuv last night paid the ultimate price for allegedly punching a teenage girl in the face – his football career.

Source: http://www.dailytelegraph.news.com.au/story/0,20281,19233776-5001022,00.html

Booted Out
By JOSH MASSOUD
May 24, 2006

SHARKS rugby league star Tevita Latuv last night paid the ultimate price for allegedly punching a teenage girl in the face - his football career.

Latu was sacked by the Sharks after a 10-minute board meeting unanimously determined his two-year deal be torn up.

The Kiwi International's sacking came on the same day he was charged with assault after 19-year-old Brooke Peninton suffered a broken nose during an incident on Monday.

Emerging from the meeting outside Cronulla Leagues club, Latu declined to publicly apologise to Ms Peninton on advise of his barrister.

"I just wanted to say sorry to my team mates for letting them down," he told reporters.

"I don't kknow what the future holds for me."

Cronulla's move effectively de-registers Latu from playing rugby league in Australia.

The NRL last night said it would refuse to re-register him "for an extended period", but it is understood only extraordinary circumstances will convince the league to welcome him back.

Latu is the third player to be banned by the NRL, after Julian O'Neill and Dane Tilse.

His chances of resuming his career overseas also appear to be over because of an

agreement between international league bodiesto acknowledge bans world-wide.

Sharks CEO Greg Pirece yesterday agreed to compensate Ms peninton for her medical expenses and loss of earnings.

Latu will face Sutherland Local Court on June 15 charged with one count of assault occasioning actual bodily harm.

 

[Yahoo News]

NRL sacks Latu for bashing woman

THE career of the Cronulla Sharks player Tevita Latu is over, despite his tearful plea to his club last night and his attempt to show remorse for punching a young woman and breaking her nose. -

Source: http://www.smh.com.au/news/league/nrl-sacks-latu-for-bashing-woman/2006/05/23/1148150260168.html

NRL sacks Latu for bashing woman
By Jacquelin Magnay
May 24, 2006

Contrite, but it is not enough … Tevita Latu and Brooke Peninton.

* Video: Latu's apology

THE career of the Cronulla Sharks player Tevita Latu is over, despite his tearful plea to his club last night and his attempt to show remorse for punching a young woman and breaking her nose.

The Sharks ripped up his two-year contract and the National Rugby League deregistered Latu, whom police have charged with assaulting Brooke Peninton, 19, a 2004 Miss Bikini World finalist from the Central Coast, early on Monday.

In a strong message about rugby league's attitude to women, the NRL chief executive, David Gallop, said it would refuse to register Latu if another club wanted to sign him. "Rugby league has been at the forefront of campaigns condemning violence against women, and that makes these circumstances all the more alarming," Mr Gallop said.

He also urged overseas clubs and other codes, such as rugby union, to respect the NRL stand.

Latu, 24, made his tearful plea to the Sharks football club board last night to save his career, but it was rejected.

He has tried to contact Ms Peninton to apologise, but she has refused to take his calls. She told Sharks officials that Latu punched her in the face, causing her to fall and hit her head on concrete, during a scuffle outside a petrol station in Cronulla.

The Sharks' chief executive, Greg Pierce, said Latu knew he had done the wrong thing. "But there is a time when you have to make a stand, and there is some behaviour that is clearly not acceptable, and this wasn't acceptable. He apologised, he showed remorse, but as to why, well he couldn't offer any reason. But he has accepted the decision of the board and he is no longer a player with the Sharks."

Ms Peninton said Latu had thrown chips over her at the petrol station, and she pushed him away. She said he threw a punch at her as hard as he could.

A Bulldogs player, Billy Ngawini, whose team defeated Latu's Sharks on Sunday, rushed to Ms Peninton's aid and took her to Sutherland Hospital. Ms Peninton said she had a broken nose, two black eyes and a swollen lip. She, Latu and Ngawini had been in a group of about a dozen people who had just left a Cronulla nightclub.

Police charged Latu, 24, late on Monday night with assault occasioning actual bodily harm. He was granted police bail to face Sutherland Local Court on June 15. Last September Latu was convicted and ordered to pay $NZ130 ($107) in court costs after pleading guilty to fighting in a public place outside an Auckland nightclub.

 

[Google News]

Sharks end Latu's career for alleged assault on teen

CRONULLA hooker Tevita Latu's NRL career appears over after he was sacked for allegedly punching a young woman in the face. Latu ...

Source: http://www.theage.com.au/news/league/sharks-end-latus-career-for-alleged-assault-on-teen/2006/05/23/1148150255078.html

Sharks end Latu's career for alleged assault on teen
May 24, 2006
AAP

CRONULLA hooker Tevita Latu's NRL career appears over after he was sacked for allegedly punching a young woman in the face.

Latu was alleged to have punched a teenager outside a Cronulla petrol station in the early hours of Monday, breaking her nose and causing other facial injuries.

Sharks chief executive Greg Pierce said the club had no choice but to terminate the former New Zealand international's contract. "While Tevita is extremely upset and remorseful, the club felt it had no choice other than to come to the decision it has, which is to terminate his contract with the Sharks, effective immediately," Pierce said. "We can in no way condone this type of anti-social behaviour."

In endorsing the Sharks' decision, NRL boss David Gallop said the league would not register a contract involving Latu and another club. "Given the information that we have from Cronulla, it would be hard to imagine a time when we would accept a future registration from the player," Gallop said.

"Rugby league has been at the forefront of campaigns condemning violence against women and that makes these circumstances all the more alarming.

"We have full regard for the player's rights in any criminal proceedings that may follow but believe that given the events that we do know, and given the clear messages that have been sent to all players over recent years, that there are sufficient grounds to warrant the action we have taken."

Latu apologised in a prepared statement. "I am sorry for any embarrassment caused to the Sharks and to the NRL," he said. "I have let down myself and my teammates with my poor behaviour on Sunday night."

 

[Google News]

NRL player's career ends

... native Auckland. "I am sorry for any embarrassment caused to the Sharks and to the NRL," he said in a prepared statement. "I have ...

Source: http://www.couriermail.news.com.au/story/0,20797,19238386-953,00.html

Sharks sack Latu
7:15AM May 24, 2006
Source: AAP

Cronulla hooker Tevita Latu's career is in tatters after he was charged with assault and sacked from the NRL club on Tuesday.

Latu was likely to be barred from the game for a lengthy period, with NRL chief executive David Gallop saying the league would not re-register the 24-year-old, preventing him from signing with another club.

Latu allegedly broke a 19-year-old woman's nose in an incident on Monday morning. He later admitted to the club he had punched the woman.

Cronulla chief executive Greg Pierce told the New Zealander at 7.30pm (NZ time) on Tuesday that his two-year contract had been terminated.

As the NRL is particularly sensitive about its players' treatment of women, he could be out of the game for years.

"Where there's an incident which is so abhorrent to community standards it's important that strong action's taken, that's what Cronulla have done tonight," Gallop said.

"If there was to be an application to register the player with another club we would not accept that registration.

Gallop said it was "hard to imagine a time" when the NRL would consider registering Latu again.

"I would have thought it would be a matter of years rather than months," he added.

Pierce said it was a tough, but correct decision to make.

"I don't think we had any other option," Pierce said.

"It's still tough to terminate a guy's livelihood and take away from him what he does best, but it's just unacceptable behaviour.

"We have a duty to the players, the club and the game.

"To his credit, Tevita didn't argue the decision, he was very apologetic and very remorseful."

Latu is believed to be considering returning to his native Auckland.

"I am sorry for any embarrassment caused to the Sharks and to the NRL," he said in a prepared statement.

"I have let down myself and my teammates with my poor behaviour on Sunday night.

"I should never have put myself in that situation by being where I was at that time of night."

Pierce spoke with the woman, Brooke Peninton who claims Latu punched her in the face outside a service station in Cronulla on Monday.

"He told me pretty much exactly the same story," Pierce said.

Pierce said Cronulla would pay Peninton's medical expenses and any costs incurred from being off work.

He said he was angered by the second embarrassing public incident involving Sharks players this month.

"I just shook my head. I was very disappointed, very frustrated, a bit cranky, a bit angry," Pierce said.

Latu's incident comes three weeks after Sharks forwards Darren Mapp and Luke Harlen were fined for drunken behaviour in a Circular Quay hotel.

But Pierce was sure there wasn't a growing culture of anti-social behaviour at the club.

"I don't think there is. This wasn't a club thing, it was an individual player and there weren't any other players there," he said.

Latu joined Cronulla from the Warriors this season and had been out drinking following Sunday's loss to the Bulldogs.

Pierce said he would speak with senior players and management about the prospect of a curfew or alcohol restrictions, which he admitted would be hard to impose.

Peninton told police she was punched once in the face and fell to the ground after she and Latu became involved in an altercation while talking outside a service station on The Kingsway.

Latu was arrested on Monday charged with assault occasioning actual bodily harm.

He will face Sutherland Local Court on June 15.

 

[Google News]

Kiwis coach shocked at Latu news

Brian McClennan is shocked to hear former Kiwis hooker Tevita Latu has been sacked by Cronulla, with his NRL future now all but over. ...

Source: http://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/newsdetail1.asp?storyID=96354

Kiwis coach shocked at Latu news
24/05/2006 16:32:03

Brian McClennan is shocked to hear former Kiwis hooker Tevita Latu has been sacked by Cronulla, with his NRL future now all but over.

Latu has had his contract terminated by the club and the NRL governing body have also said they will refuse to accept his registration with any other club.

The Kiwis coach is in England promoting next month's international match and says he was only made aware of the news when contacted by Radio Sport this morning. Brian McClennan says it is a great shame and says Tevita Latu was definitely in the picture for the end of year Tri-Series, given his form for Cronulla.

 

[Google News]

Latu's sacking rattles teammates: Sharks coach

... "He certainly can't sign for another NRL club.". ... Latu joined Cronulla from the NZ Warriors this season and had been out drinking following Sunday's loss to the ...

Source: http://www.smh.com.au/news/league/latus-sacking-rattles-teammates-sharks-coach/2006/05/24/1148150319932.html

Latu's sacking rattles teammates: Sharks coach
May 24, 2006 - 6:54PM
AAP

Tevita Latu's sacking from the Sharks for an alleged assault has left his teammates "rattled" and trying to cover the gaping hole left by the hooker's departure, coach Stuart Raper said today.

The Sharks host Latu's former club the Warriors on Saturday night at Toyota Park and Raper says his players are doing their best to adjust to Tuesday's decision by the club to sack the 24-year-old New Zealander.

"It has been a little bit of a shock to them," Raper said today.

"When something happens to a teammate like this, it certainly rattles them a little bit.

"I was talking to them today and the spirits are high and the focus is on the Warriors.

"We've got a bye after this so the boys really want to make sure we play well and get the two points.

"As disappointing as it is for Tevita and the club to lose a quality player, it's a situation really where your hands are tied.

"Action had to be taken and I think the club handled it well. I can only wish Tevita the best for the future.

"There's a big hole because he's been quite prominent as a bench player coming off and giving us some strike.

"I won't deny it, it's dented us a bit in our strike power in the number nine position."

Raper said starting hooker Kevin Kingston would now get more game time and Premier League player Tony Caine will get a chance to impress in first grade.

A club spokesman said the Sharks were offering their support to Latu to help the 24-year-old work through some "issues".

"He is obviously going to get away for a while to clear his head a little bit," the spokesman said.

"He is keen on us trying to help him get some counselling for a couple of issues that he's got.

"He'll be back in and we'll do our best to put him in touch with the right people.

"He's been deregistered by the NRL.

"He can certainly go and play in the park or local football, but I'm not sure about overseas professionally.

"He certainly can't sign for another NRL club."

Rugby League Players Association chief executive Matt Rodwell said he was yet to speak with Latu but would be seeking to do so later this week.

"It's a criminal matter and I think the Sharks have handled it in the most appropriate manner," Rodwell said today.

"I haven't spoken to the kid as yet so I can't make any comment on that (his playing future).

"Until I speak with him and chase up things behind the scenes, I don't know where he stands."

Latu joined Cronulla from the NZ Warriors this season and had been out drinking following Sunday's loss to the Bulldogs.

Brooke Peninton, 19, told police she was punched once in the face and fell to the ground after she and Latu became involved in an altercation while talking outside the BP service station on The Kingsway.

Latu was arrested and charged with assault occasioning actual bodily harm. He will face Sutherland Local Court on June 15.