Joel Thompson denies assault, back at training

[Bobby DIGital]

Young Raider denies assault, back at training

By DAVID JEAN - Canberra Times | Thursday, 26 February 2009


Canberra Raiders coach David Furner says Joel Thompson will have to play his way back into NRL contention, after club officials paved the way yesterday for the talented back-rower to return to training.

Thompson will resume training with the Raiders on Monday, after he pleaded not guilty yesterday to assaulting girlfriend Danielle O'Brien last month.
The 20-year-old will appear before the ACT Magistrates Court again on April 8 for a case management hearing.
Furner said the club would reassess its stance once Thompson's case was concluded. Until then he was free to play and train with the club, ending a three-week exile.
''It's what he does best and he needs to focus on his footy,'' Furner said.
''At least he can keep himself occupied on training and then whatever happens with the court case we'll take it from there.
''He deserves to train with the boys at the moment. I don't think it will [distract the team].''
Thompson played one NRL game for the Raiders last season as well as helping the club's under-20s to a Toyota Cup premiership.
He is widely considered one of the best young prospects at the club.Furner said Thompson was unlikely to play for the Raiders in their round-one clash with Wests Tigers on March 16, instead forecasting a return to football through Queensland Cup feeder side Souths Logan.
''He's been keeping his fitness levels up and I think he's just looking forward to coming back to training because it's an environment he feels comfortable in. But he's going to have to play some footy so he'll probably start with Souths Logan.
''Until that court case he's resuming full training.''
The NRL supported the Raiders' decision yesterday to end Thompson's exile pending the outcome of the court case.
''The Raiders have kept us up-to-date with the situation and we will continue to monitor the events as they develop,'' an NRL spokesman said.
Cronulla stood star player Greg Bird down last year after he allegedly hit girlfriend Katie Milligan in the face with a glass.
The former Australian five-eighth was eventually released by the Sharks after refusing to discuss the incident with club officials.
Thompson has given Raiders management his account of what happened between he and O'Brien and the club will stand by him until the conclusion of the case. O'Brien has alleged he hit her in the eye during an argument on January 22.
Furner named Kiwi international Bronson Harrison and veteran Glen Turner yesterday as his starting back-rowers for Saturday's final trial against the Bulldogs in Brisbane.
Prime Minister's XIII representative Joe Picker and Trevor Thurling will start from the bench, while experienced NRL campaigner Nigel Plum will turn out for Souths Logan in a curtain-raiser.
Josh Miller will again play lock against the Bulldogs in place of injured skipper captain Alan Tongue.

http://www.stuff.co.nz/4861388a10713.html

Let's hope he's cleared of the charge and he can fulfill his potenital for us.

 

[Spike]

She'll be a hostile victim in court and he'll probably get off. Notch another one up for battered wife/gf syndrome. Well done Joel

 

[Tidus_Raider]

Glad his back in the side for the time being because he does have talent HOWEVER this does reek of double standards.

 

[Raidersrawesome]

I dont see how it was double standards , if Joel pleaded guilty then he would of been sacked ,he wasnt allowed back to training until he pleaded not guilty.
pleading not guilty and been found not guilty are 2 different things , If found guilty when he goes back to court then Joel will be sacked which will be a waste but a correct decision from management.

 

[Chachi]

When you say it reeks of double standards, what case are you referring to?

Every situation in the NRL has its own standard. There is no black and white when it comes to codes of conduct issues - especially when you take into account the players ability and their prior record.

I'm not defending Joel here in particular, but for example if an 18 year old goes out and gets pissed the night before a game and ends up in gaol for being a public nuisance they are going to get treated much differently to an 8 year veteran who has played rep footy and has no prior indiscretions.

You simply can't compare how management has dealt with Bronx and Carney (who both had prior disciplinary issues no matter what they might say to the media) with Joel's situation. If Thompson is found guilty he will be out on his arse (and rightfully so) until then it is in the clubs best interest to keep him on the field.