Coach charged with assault at junior rugby league match

Terrigal Wamberal Sharks Under 12’s Coach, Kristen Teasdale, has been charged with common assault after allegedly assaulting a 12-year-old boy at a rugby league match at Narara over the weekend.

Police say Teasdale ran onto the field after a brawl broke out between players at Carrington Oval on Saturday, August 22.

He was arrested a short time after the incident at a home at Bateau Bay.

Brisbane Water Police Chief Inspector, John Zdrilic, addressed media regarding the incident the following day, confirming the assault charge against Teasdale.

Chief Insp Zdrilic confirmed a child had been taken to Gosford Hospital with facial injuries.

NSWRL Chief Executive, David Trodden, confirmed the organisation is investigating the matter and that Teasdale has been stood down from his coaching position pending the outcome of the investigation.

Trodden said the organisation has a zero tolerance for any behaviour which threatens the safety of participants, officials and spectators and those found guilty face life bans.

“In circumstances where there is a police investigation it is not appropriate for us to be making any commentary about those who have been charged or any further commentary about the incident,” he said.

Teasdale’s matter is set to enter Gosford Local Court in November.

Dilon Luke