Eels star, Test cricketer clash
By Chris Barrett
June 21, 2006
TROUBLED Parramatta star Tim Smith has been involved in a bar-room scuffle with Australia Test cricketer Michael Clarke - just four weeks after turning up to Eels training drunk.
The 21-year-old halfback, back in first grade after being stood down for his indiscretion last month, was thrown out by bouncers at Cronulla hotel Northies on Sunday night after an altercation with Clarke.
Smith allegedly pushed Clarke following a heated argument in front of other patrons at the pub at about 10pm.
He was drinking at the hotel with fellow Eel Mark Riddell, before turning up to training drunk on May 15, the same day Brian Smith quit the club as coach.
Clarke's manager Lisa Stallard yesterday confirmed the pair had been involved in an incident at Northies.
"There was a bit of mucking around that got out of hand," she said. "The bouncers weren't happy with it and Tim go the raw end of the stick and got thrown out."
Smith, in camp with the Eels at Wyong ahead of their bye this weekend, was unable to be contacted yesterday.
His manager David Rioli said last night he had not discussed the altercation with his player.
"As far as I know it wasn't a major incident," Rioli said.
But a fellow patron, who was witness to the scuffle, told The Daily Telegraph the pair had to be broken up by security.
"They were in each other's faces. Then Smith pushed Michael Clarke and he got kicked out," the patron said.
"There were a lot of people around ... (Smith) was carrying on like he owned the joint."
Smith and Riddell are understood to have then moved on to nearby nightclub Fusion.
Northies licensee Rob Stanley-Jones said he was aware Smith had been ejected by bouncers on Sunday night.
"We do get a lot of sporting celebrities but if anybody exhibits intoxication or any violent behaviour they will be asked to leave," Stanley-Jones said.
"And that's what happened."
The incident follows a series of booze-related misdemeanours at Parramatta in the past five weeks.
The most recent involved winger Jarryd Hayne, who was fined $1000 after admitting he bit a woman on the arm while intoxicated at The Roxy nightclub a fortnight ago.
The spate of alcohol-related antics has already prompted Eels CEO Dennis Fitzgerald to call a summit with players to address the booze issue.
Fitzgerald last night refused to comment on the latest Smith incident but confirmed the meeting with players would happen before the end of the month.
"No, (the summit) hasn't happened yet," Fitzgerald said. "They're in camp at the moment. It will happen when they get back."
Fitzgerald has already met with coaching staff to voice his concerns at the struggling club's recent off-field behaviour problems and the club has put in place plans for a players' alcohol strategy.
The Daily Telegraph
