Warriors' winger Michael Crockett. Photo / Paul Estcourt
Warriors' winger Michael Crockett. Photo / Paul Estcourt
KEY POINTS:
New Zealand Warriors rugby league winger Michael Crockett has been charged with sexual assault following an alleged incident in Sydney on August 6.
The investigation stemmed from a woman's complaint of sexual assault to Redfern police.
Crockett, 24, who said last week he strenuously denied the allegation, flewto Sydney on Monday to be formally charged before being released on bail.
Warriors chief executive Wayne Scurrah said there would be no further comment from the club because the matter was now before the courts.
Crockett was expected to return to training with the Warriors this afternoon in preparation for Saturday's away match against the Canberra Raiders.
In consultation with coach Ivan Cleary, Crockett was withdrawn from the starting lineup in last Sunday's 30-6 win over the Gold Coast Titans at Auckland and subsequently replaced by Patrick Ah Van.
Crockett was in Sydney with the Warriors side who drew 31-all with the Sydney Roosters hours before the alleged incident.
The club had helped him get legal advice.
"Michael is certain he has done nothing wrong and he will be defending any allegation made against him," Scurrah said last week.
Scurrah declined to comment on the nature or the severity of the allegation, saying it was under investigation and there were also privacy issues.
He described Crockett as an invaluable player on and off the field and who had never given the club any reason to question his character.
Crockett joined the Warriors in the off-season from the Wests Tigers and made an impressive start for his new club, scoring four tries in the first two rounds.
Since then, he has spent stints on the sidelines because of injury and a two-week ban for a high tackle.
