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'Just dumb': Former NRL player sent off after disgusting act

A 50-50 split image shows Beau Ryan appearing to smear blood on a passing rival on the left, and him wiping his nose on the right.
Former NRL star Beau Henry found himself in hot water after appearing to smear blood on an opponent during a NSWRL President's Cup match last weekend. Pictures: NSWRL

Former Newcastle Knights and Gold Coast Titans player Beau Henry has been heavily criticised after being sent off from a President’s Cup match for wiping blood on an opponent.

Henry, who was playing for Wentworthville in their 53-16 loss to Glebe Burwood Wolves on the weekend, was hit with a grade one contrary conduct charge and escaped with only a one-week ban thanks to his early guilty plea.

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The former NRL player’s light sentence, which came after he attempted to smear blood on Wolves opponent Addison Demetriou following a try, attracted criticism from former NRL referee and match review committee chief Greg McCallum, who told the Sydney Morning Herald Henry’s actions were ‘just dumb’.

“If it happened in the NRL, it would attract a higher grade, certainly,” he said.

“I just think it’s an unprofessional thing to do in the current environment. It’s just dumb.”

McCallum went on to suggest Henry would have been in much deeper trouble had he committed such an act on the NRL field - especially considering the global coronavirus pandemic.

“It would be like if a player spat in someone’s face, that’s a similar thing and something you don’t want to happen,” he said.

“It’s frustrating that players would want to do stuff like that.”

NRL investigate Kotoni Staggs revenge porn video

Brisbane centre Kotoni Staggs is at the centre of an apparent revenge porn scandal after a sensitive video was released of him online without his consent.

It's understood police are speaking to the person who released the video on Tuesday and they could face charges.

An NRL official said the Integrity Unit was aware of the matter.

It's understood Staggs, 21, will be interviewed by the Integrity Unit within the next 24 hours, although it is unlikely he will face any repercussions from the NRL.

Kotoni Staggs has been one of Brisbane's shining lights in an otherwise dismal 2020 season. (Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)
Kotoni Staggs has been one of Brisbane's shining lights in an otherwise dismal 2020 season. (Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)

The non-consensual sharing of personal images online is a criminal offence in Australia and is considered image-based sexual abuse.

In a statement, the Broncos confirmed they had contacted the NRL Integrity Unit.

"The Brisbane Broncos have been made aware of a video recording involving Kotoni Staggs being circulated on social media," the statement read.

"The video is of a highly personal nature and has been released without his consent.

"The club is working closely with the NRL Integrity Unit, having alerted it as soon as becoming aware of the issue."

With AAP