Media Statement: Wentworthville Magpies v Penrith Brothers Under 20s Incident

The NSW Rugby League (NSWRL) has been made aware of a serious incident in a Rugby League match today between Wentworthville Magpies and Penrith Brothers in an under 20s community football game at the Old Saleyards Reserve, North Parramatta.

The match appeared to have proceeded and concluded in an uneventful fashion.

However, it has been reported that after the match, players from both teams were leaving the ground and, in a car park adjacent to the ground, one of the Wentworthville players was stabbed. During the same incident, it appears two other people were also stabbed.

The player and the other two injured men were taken to Westmead Hospital for treatment.

Officers from the Cumberland Police Area Command of the NSW Police Force have established a crime scene and are presently investigating the incident.

NSWRL Chief Executive David Trodden said: "The incident is sickening criminal behaviour and those responsible for it deserve to face the full force of the law.

"Everyone who enjoys community sport at the weekend should expect to be able to do in a safe environment and it is nothing short of appalling that an incident like this has taken place in an area adjacent to where one of our matches was being conducted.

"The NSWRL will provide their full cooperation to Police in order to bring those responsible to justice.

"Beyond any criminal behaviour, anybody involved with the incident can expect never to have a role in our game ever again."

Trodden said that in the circumstances, both teams have been stood down immediately pending the outcome of the Police investigation.

"Our thoughts are with the families of the victims and anyone else who was affected by the traumatic event and we offer the full support of all our counselling and other services to them," Trodden said.