• Rugby League World Cup

Billy Slater released after nightclub brawl

ESPN staff
November 11, 2013
Billy Slater is not expected to press charges after being identified as the victim of the assault © PA Photos
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Australia full-back Billy Slater has been released by police without charge following a nightclub incident in Manchester.

Slater, a two-time winner of the golden boot and one of the game's most recognisable players, had been celebrating Australia's third win of the Rugby League World Cup when he became involved in a brawl in the early hours of the morning.

Both Greater Manchester Police and the Australian management are satisfied that Slater was the victim of the incident, which comes as the team prepare for Saturday's quarter-final against USA in Wrexham.

"After reviewing CCTV footage of a scuffle outside a Manchester nightclub, police have determined that Slater was the victim who then acted in self-defence and has informed him of his right to press charges," read a statement from the Australian team.

"Billy was returning to the venue to collect his jacket that he left behind when he was attacked. Both men were detained for several hours while police reviewed footage of the incident.

"The Australian team players were free of official duties after returning from Ireland."

It is the second late-night incident to hit the Australian squad during the World Cup, after forward Josh Papalii was robbed of £200 after the squad's first night out in Manchester.

A spokesman for the Australian team said it was "unlikely" that Slater will press charges.

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