Watch: Rugby player caught on live TV groping opponent during match

An Australian rubgy star has received a warning – after being caught on live TV groping a player on the opposing team.

The incident occurred during Sunday’s match between the Manly Sea Eagles v Newcastle Knights in Australia’s National Rugby League, which was broadcast live.

Before a run, Newcastle Knights prop Korbin Sims appeared to walk up to Eagles player Willie Mason and grab his penis.

The baffled commentators asked: “What is going on out there? We might have to replay something that happened there.

“It’s been picked up by some, and maybe some of you at home.”

Mason, who has previously played alongside Sims, said said after the game he thought it was “hilarious”.

He said: “I didn’t even flinch. It was quite funny to me. He’s just a good young kid and I would hope that nothing is done because of it.”

However, Newcastle chief executive Matt Gidley seemed to be less amused.

He told the Sydney Morning Herald: “From our point of view, while it was light-hearted in nature, it was clearly inappropriate and it won’t happen again so we’re all looking to move on from it

“There’s probably going to be an opportunity for me to discuss it with him tomorrow but that’s as simple as the conversation will be. I saw Willie’s comments today, and the fact that they’re friends and were teammates for the past three years, there’s no doubt it was light-hearted.

“But again, there’s no doubting it was inappropriate as well.”

Ironically, Mason’s nickname is ‘Big Willie’.

• Dec 01 2023

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