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SYDNEY - National Rugby League club Penrith's bid to close the book on the Craig Gower nightclub drama hit a major stumbling block today when police launched an official investigation into the incident.
While Panthers officials continue to stand by Gower's claims that he did not instigate any brawls at the Peppermint Lounge nightclub in Sydney's eastern suburbs, police becoming involved in the incident today after an official complaint was made.
"Two men went down to Marrickville police station last night where they supplied statements to the police," a police spokesperson said.
"That matter has now been forwarded to Kings Cross police station because obviously that is where the alleged incident occurred and it is currently under investigation."
The incident is believed to be separate to allegations that Gower kissed and bit another man on the dance floor.
According to a News Ltd report, 19-year-old Bshar Hassen claimed Gower grabbed him around the waist in a move which felt like a tackle before the two of them fell to the couch in a scuffle.
But Penrith officials remain adamant that their man did nothing wrong, a viewing of the nightclub's closed circuit television footage today only strengthening their resolve.
"This morning we viewed video from the Peppermint Lounge nightclub, a group of club officials including myself, (general manger) Mick Leary and a couple of board members," Panthers spokesperson Rob Weaver said.
"The bottom line is it's not the clearest video in the world but from what we can see it supports Craig Gower's version of what happened.
"There is absolutely no evidence of wrongdoing on Craig's part ... so given the information we've received from various witnesses over the last few days, Craig Gower's statement plus the video evidence, we're sticking 100 per cent behind Craig, we don't believe he has a case to answer."
Asked whether a police investigation into the matter would alter the club's thinking, Weaver said: "The bottom line is it makes no difference to us (if the police do investigate), as far as we're concerned we believe that he didn't commit any offence.
"(General manager Michael Leary) is now compiling his report for the NRL, which he hopes to submit in the next few days, and it will be in support of Craig Gower."
The NRL says it will wait until the report has been filed before making a statement on the matter.
- AAP