Former rugby league player Curtis Scott has received permission to participate in a bare-knuckle boxing event, just weeks after he was involved in a violent incident at the Sydney Cricket Ground. Scott, 28, who played for the Melbourne Storm and Canberra Raiders, had been arrested for allegedly assaulting an 18-year-old during a dispute following an AFL match. Alongside him, his mother, Dianna Allen, 55, is also alleged to have been involved in the altercation. The teenager was treated for facial injuries before being taken to hospital.
Scott’s interaction with police escalated when he allegedly assaulted an officer who attempted to speak to him, resulting in minor injuries to the officer and Scott fleeing the scene. In court, Scott pleaded not guilty to charges that include affray and assaulting a police officer. He appeared in court dressed in all black and his solicitor, Paul McGirr, requested changes to Scott’s bail conditions to allow him to compete in the boxing match scheduled in Brisbane.
Starting a transition to boxing after his NRL contract was terminated in 2021, Scott is now focusing on boxing as his primary source of income. McGirr emphasised the importance of this sport in Scott’s life, suggesting that many former players struggle after their careers end due to the sudden loss of a high income. He further noted that Scott has been staying away from alcohol and is committed to weekly treatment, while requesting the court lift a night-time curfew to aid Scott’s participation in fights in Queensland.
The prosecutor raised concerns regarding Scott’s history of violence, citing the severity and aggression displayed during the recent incident. Despite these concerns, Judge Michael Allen acknowledged Scott’s commitment to treatment and decided to relax the curfew, allowing him to proceed with his boxing match. Scott is scheduled to return to court in May, while his mother faces court on charges of common assault and obstructing a police officer.
Throughout his career, Scott played a total of 84 NRL games, including being part of the Storm’s premiership-winning team in 2017. As the situation unfolds, both Scott and his mother continue to deal with the legal repercussions stemming from the alleged altercation.