Kiwi league star detained by police - report

Setaimata Sa played four tests for the Kiwis last year. Photo / Getty Images

SYDNEY - NRL bottom team Sydney Roosters have another alcohol-related scandal on their hands with New Zealand test player Setaimata Sa reportedly facing charges following an incident at a Sydney hotel.

Sa, who played four tests for the Kiwis last night, was detained by police after being refused entry to the hotel on Sunday night for being too intoxicated but entered and allegedly resisted police before being taken away, the Sydney Morning Herald website reported.

Roosters chief executive Steve Noyce was unavailable for comment on Monday morning but earlier confirmed to the Herald that the Roosters had been made aware of the incident and would launch a full investigation on Monday.

Police said a 21-year-old man had been charged with assault police, resisting arrest, malicious damage, and failing to leave licensed premises.

They said they were called to a hotel in Arden Street, Coogee, shortly before 10pm local time responding to reports that a man had become abusive to staff and had allegedly smashed a glass window in the building.

Police will allege an officer was struck by a gate when it was pushed onto him during a struggle to arrest the man.

Centre Sa was a late withdrawal through injury from the Roosters' NRL loss to Melbourne in Melbourne on Saturday night.

It's the latest saga in a sorry season for the Roosters who have already been fined A$50,000 ($62,127) because of the number of alcohol-related incidents involving the club.

Forward Nate Myles was suspended for six weeks over his drunken behaviour at a Central Coast hotel, where he defecated in a hotel corridor on a Sunday morning after attending a junior rugby league function.

Roosters coach Brad Fittler, who will be replaced by Brian Smith next season, fined himself A$10,000 after being found drunk and shirtless and attempting to enter someone else's hotel room in Townsville.

- AAP