Man accused of punching teenage rugby league referee avoids jail

A rugby league official who punched a teenage referee earlier this year has avoided a jail term after pleading guilty to the offence

Jucy Talau, aged 34, was this week sentenced to an 18 month good behaviour bond at an appearance at Sutherland Local Court.

Talau had earlier sought to have the charges dismissed under mental health grounds but that was rejected. He then entered a guilty plea to assault occasioning actual bodily harm during a court mention in July.

Talau punched a 16-year-old referee in the face during a junior rugby league match between the Gymea Gorillas and Engadine Dragons in June.

Talau was acting as a trainer for the Gorillas during their under 12s game when the incident happened in June.

The referee was punched in the face when he ruled Talau’s son be replaced during the match.

Last month, Cronulla Junior League confirmed Talau would receive a 30 year ban from the sport while he also consented to an apprehended violence order preventing him from contacting the victim.

The Cronulla Junior League spared Talau from a lifetime ban from any offical role in rugby league at a secret judiciary hearing. However, will still be able to attend games.

The decision outraged parents and coaching staff who believe assaulting a child should lead to expulsion from the sport.

There was also criticism of the judiciary panel for closing the hearing.

NSW Rugby League Chief Execuitve Dave Trodden last month advised that violence towards officials would not be tolerated, advising "everyone in rugby league takes these matters very seriously.

“We totally support the decision of Cronulla Junior League to impose a 30-year ban.”

Image: Jucy Talau. Courtesy of Facebook. 

21st June 2016 - SUTHERLAND RUGBY LEAGUE MANAGEMENT STIFLES PUBLIC COMMENT AFTER ASSAULT ON TEENAGE REFEREE

16th September 2014 - FOOTY BRAWLS PUT FOCUS ON SECURITY AND ALCOHOL MANAGEMENT AT COMMUNITY SPORTS GROUNDS

21st June 2014 - STAMPING OUT THE UGLY SIDE OF COMMUNITY SPORT

5th December 2011 - ABUSIVE SPECTATORS SENT TO ANGER MANAGEMENT CLASSES ​

27th August 2011 - POSITIVE SPORTING EXPERIENCES KEY FOR CHILDREN’S DEVELOPMENT

21st July 2009 - RUGBY LEAGUE TO BAN AGGRESSIVE PARENTS? 

Asking a small favour

We hope that you value the news that we publish so while you're here can we ask for your support?

The news we publish at www.ausleisure.com.au is independent, credible (we hope) and free for you to access, with no pay walls and no annoying pop-up ads.

However, as an independent publisher, can we ask for you to support us by subscribing to the printed Australasian Leisure Management magazine - if you don't already do so.

Published bi-monthly since 1997, the printed Australasian Leisure Management differs from this website in that it publishes longer, in-depth and analytical features covering aquatics, attractions, entertainment, events, fitness, parks, recreation, sport, tourism and venues management.

Subscriptions cost just $90 a year.

Click here to subscribe.