Must name the female in Broncos saga

As the Brisbane Broncos trio of Hunt, Boyd and Thaiday face the Police and public scrutiny over an alleged sexual assault at the weekend, the female involved in the situation should also have to face the public in what shapes as a trial by media.

It’s alleged by sources, that the female at the centre of the saga had ‘consentual’ sexual contact with some or all of the players; however she chose to file the assault charge over the fact that one of the players ‘recorded’ the events that took place. The woman apparently chatting with a female friend after the liasion with the 3 players, mentioning her concern over the video – then her friend urging her strongly to go forward and report the events.

Obviously it’s only early stages and the Police investigation will delve further into the events, evidence and statements from all involved – but at this stage, with all parties innocent until proven guilty: the Broncos trio face permanent damage to their reputations, while the woman that chose to press charges remains in absolute anonimity. Certainly an unfair situation and one that makes you ponder; in the current atmosphere – NRL players must certainly consider their potential situation before kissing or even talking to females, as it may potentially compromise their profile and land them in hot water.

The trio – all Queensland State of Origin stars – are at the centre of a media storm after being named by a 24-year-old woman who lodged a formal complaint with the police yesterday.

Facing assault charges over contact with the woman in the toilet of the Alhambra Lounge nightclub in Brisbane, with one allegedly filming the incident on his phone.

The trio had been out celebrating Friday night’s finals victory over the Roosters.

Two other players out on the same night in Brisbane have been accused of abusing and spitting at patrons outside a popular pub after shoving their way to the front of a taxi queue.

According to a woman who contacted the Brisbane Times, four players behaved inappropriately outside the pub – one of whom “could barely stand”.

“Two players left the venue and walked straight to the front of the taxi queue, where we had been waiting at this point for over 40 minutes,” she said.

“Despite a number of very loud and vocal protests to the security staff and the players about the inequity of queue-jumping and the fact that they should go to the end of the line and wait like everyone else, the players were allowed to stay there.

“They were joined by two other players after about five minutes and got in the next taxi. These players abused and spat on patrons who had been at the Normanby all evening.”

Hunt, Boyd and Thaiday could be stood down by the Broncos for the rest of the season. Sharks star Greg Bird was recently stood down by his club after being charged with assaulting his girlfriend.

The Broncos will play the minor premiers Melbourne in a sudden-death semi-final on Saturday night at Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium. It will be coach Wayne Bennett’s farewell match to the club.