Brisbane Broncos star Josiah Karapani has been issued with an infringement notice by police for being a “public nuisance” in the early hours of Saturday morning.
The incident occurred hours after Karapani played in Brisbane’s 26-12 win over the Dolphins in the Battle of Brisbane at Suncorp Stadium on Friday night.
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Karapani had 120 run metres and five tackles and had a try disallowed in the victory, which saw the Broncos bring their early season record to 2-2.
The Broncos issued a statement on Saturday confirming the NRL Integrity Unit had been informed about the incident that occurred in Brisbane’s Fortitude Valley.
The club statement read: “The Brisbane Broncos confirm that Josiah Karapani has received a Queensland Police Service infringement notice for the offence of ‘Public Nuisance’ and a banning notice after police spoke to him in Ann Street, Fortitude Valley around 3:30am this morning.
“The NRL Integrity Unit has been informed.”
A banning notice means a person is revoked the right to enter a designated premises for a period of time.
Karapani played in Brisbane’s grand final win last year and the 24-year-old winger has become a regular member of the team’s starting side under coach Michael Maguire.
The incident continues a rollercoaster start to the season for the reigning premiers, which began with two defeats that put the team’s defensive attitude under scrutiny.
Assistant coach Ben Te’o has quit following a verbal altercation with Maguire, while the Broncos will lose superstar prop Payne Haas to the Rabbitohs after this season.
Broncos great Gorden Tallis had his name on a club conference room replaced by NRLW champion Ali Brigginshaw following numerous criticisms of the Broncos including Adam Reynolds’ management of his rib injury.
The Broncos next play the Gold Coast Titans on Easter Saturday.
