Last week, former rugby league player John Hopoate was charged with assaulting a patron at a Kings Cross nightclub while serving as a bouncer.
While working as a bouncer at the Trademark Hotel on Bayswater Rd, a fight erupted.
According to police, security personnel denied entry to three men, and one of them allegedly threatened the bouncers before a scuffle ensued.
It is alleged that Hopoate assaulted a 27-year-old male during the incident.
Additionally, a second individual sustained injuries in the altercation and was promptly taken to St Vincent’s Hospital with serious head trauma.
This 33-year-old underwent surgery and remains in critical condition.
Hopoate was taken into custody shortly after 3am on Sunday and subsequently charged with assault occasioning actual bodily harm and affray.
It remains unclear if the alleged victim suffered any injuries.
He was granted conditional bail and is scheduled to appear in Downing Centre Local Court on January 11.
Police informed that other staff from the nightclub are assisting with the investigation, and further charges may follow.
After his NRL career, which was marred by allegations of inappropriate conduct towards fellow players, Hopoate ventured into boxing.
His boxing career has not been without controversy, having faced disqualification during a bout at Flemington racecourse earlier this year, with critics arguing he treated it like a wrestling match.
Buford Balony says: Hoppa is STILL putting food on my family’s table. Keep it up buddy.
