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Sex assault charge as Australia's NRL hit by more scandal
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Tonga and Australia players pose for a group photo during the rugby league international Test match between Australia and Tonga at Mt Smart Stadium in Auckland on October 20, 2018.
Fiona Goodall / AFP (AFP/Fiona Goodall)
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ustralia's National Rugby League was reeling from yet another scandal Friday with St George Illawarra Dragon's Jack de Belin charged with sexual assault.
The forward, who has played for New South Wales in the State of Origin, was bailed over an alleged late-night incident with a young woman last weekend.
The 27-year-old is due to appear in court on February 12.
"The club is taking the matter very seriously and have been working with Jack and all relevant authorities, including the police and the NRL Integrity Unit," St George said in a statement.
"Jack has been provided with welfare support to enable him the time and opportunity to deal with the matter."
It is yet another off-field headache for the sport which has spent years trying to change its reputation for bad behaviour after a series of scandals.
This year has been blighted by incidents, with a string of players getting into trouble.
High-profile star Jarryd Hayne, who is currently without a club, was also recently charged with sexual assault while earlier this week Manly's Dylan Walker pleaded not guilty to domestic violence.
In September, two Canterbury Bulldogs players were charged with obscene exposure after being pictured vomiting and stripping naked at a pub.
And in November, new Australia skipper Greg Inglis was suspended for two games after being caught allegedly drink-driving just hours after his appointment.
