Rugby League: NZ player on assault charges in Australia

A New Zealand rugby league player was refused bail when he appeared in a Sydney court yesterday on charges relating to an attack on a teammate.

Jason Williams, 23, appeared in the Sutherland Local Court charged with maliciously inflicting grievous bodily harm and common assault.

The charges resulted from a feud between Williams and fellow New Zealander Jeremy Smith, who both play for the Cronulla Sharks. Smith was left with a fractured cheekbone.

Police allege Williams and an acquaintance bashed Smith unconscious at a Cronulla night club on June 13. The feud between the two stretches back to January.

Williams, a 115kg forward, will appear in court again on July 13.