Kiwis rugby league centre Steve Matai was knocked unconscious
during an alleged assault by several men on him and clubmate
Anthony Watmough in Sydney early yesterday.
Former Kiwis coach Graham Lowe, the new chief executive of
the duo's National Rugby League (NRL) club Manly, said they
were approached by a group of men outside Matai's house in an
apparently unprovoked attack.
"Steve Matai was hit to the ground, totally unconscious. He
was being kicked and punched and goodness knows what. Anthony
Watmough jumped on top of his teammate to try and protect
him, and he copped the same thing," Lowe told Channel Nine.
The pair were taken to Mona Vale Hospital where they were
treated for grazes and head wounds, then discharged.
Both missed training today and were expected to be
interviewed by police tomorrow.
The alleged assault happened at around 1.30am (local time)
yesterday, a New South Wales police spokesman confirmed.
Matai and Watmough were awaiting a cab on Warringah Rd in the
northern beaches suburb of Beacon Hill when they were
approached by three men, police said.
"Police have been told an unprovoked assault occurred on the
two men. As a result (Matai) fell to the ground and hit his
head, losing consciousness for a short period of time."
Channel Nine reported up to 10 men were involved in the
alleged assault, and were still being sought by police.
Lowe and Manly coach Des Hasler spoke with Watmough and Matai
yesterday and were satisfied with their behaviour.
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