Actual on-field rugby league action is not far away, but in the meantime the A to Z of the NRL continues, and we’re up to L. After some NRL players hit the headlines for the wrong reasons last week, again, it’s time to explore the NRL’s Late Night Antics.
It seems a reasonably topical subject given the recent NRL covoiders’ efforts on farms and TikTok.
But in exploring through the more memorable NRL Late Night Antics, we have decided to exclude anything that brought an original charge of anything over public nuisance. We’re only including where people hurt themselves and their career instead of someone else.
Most of these involve nudity or an animal, or both at the same time. All are worthy contenders for the A to Z of NRL Late Night Antics.
These antics are from recent seasons, and this is only because of the social media era we live in. We’re sure there would be plenty of stories from back in the day.
TODD CARNEY BUBBLES HIS WAY OUT OF THE NRL
Rugby league players are given a few more chances than most other people, but Carney maxed his NRL credits in 2014 when a photo appeared of him enjoying his own piss late at night at a Cronulla urinal.
The act known as ‘the bubbler’ or ‘gargoyle’ went all around the regular media, and Carney’s NRL career was effectively over.
He played in the UK Super League for four seasons to moderate success, and attempted a return to Australian rugby league via the Northern Pride in 2019; it didn’t last too long in Cairns and the NRL seems to have now passed him by, not pissed him by.
Todd tells his own story here, as he allows the public to see a different side to it.
MITCHELL PEARCE IN PUPPY LOVE
The most remembered (not memorable) of the NRL Late Night Antics in the dreaded off-season summer of 2016 was the one involving Mitchell Pearce and a dog at a party.
As recalled here in an article at the time, Pearce was shirtless, intoxicated and looking for love; unfortunately for the nearest canine that meant being a victim of simulated sex act.
The best quote at the time was when Pearce declared, “I’ll f*** that dog, I don’t give a f***, I don’t have a sexuality.”
The incident destroyed the Sydney Roosters’ season: coming off three straight minor premierships (2013 to 2015), and the 2013 premiership, the Roosters finished second-last in 2016. Pearce returned in 2017, as the Roosters finished second and made the preliminary final, before moving to Newcastle.
To his credit, he sought help for his alcohol problems and owned up to everything. He eventually broke through to be part of a winning State of Origin series with the Blues, and enhanced his on-field reputation with a decent stint at the Knights.
No word on what happened to the dog.
ALLAN LANGER DANCES IN HIS UNDERPANTS
Allan Langer (aka Alfie) was always a rugby league larrikin, and his underpants became big news in 2010.
Possibly tired from playin…running the water for an entire NRL game (which the Broncos lost 48-16 to the Warriors), he was rather intoxicated at a local watering hole when he decided to put on some entertainment.
Referring to this link, Langer’s performance was described by the pub manager as “in good humour and non-threatening”, which it was.
Note: we are only featuring the pantsless dancing, not the subsequent drink driving charge.
NRL COVOIDERS
The latest additions to the NRL Late Night Antics club are Nathan Cleary for his harem of visiting TikTok dancers; and Latrell Mitchell, Josh Addo-Carr and Tyrone Roberts-Davis for their stay at the farm.
These new additions broke the social distancing rules, and the timing was outstanding as the NRL negotiated with various partners and governments for a return to action. While the players fight for their pay, Cleary, Mitchell, Addo-Carr, Roberts-Davis could effectively wipe out 100% of any pay if they catch the virus. A long shot sure, but why take the risk?
The fines and punishment are barely a deterrent for future rule bending.
While technically the ‘boys from the farm’ fun wasn’t exclusively all night-time adventure, there was enough to be bundled into this category.
SHAUN TIMMINS SWEPT UP
The former Dragons star will be best remembered for nailing a field goal for NSW in the 2004 State of Origin series, but he had one other moment that stuck in our memory.
It relates to his late night adventures while in Brisbane, when he jumped on a street sweeper for a joy ride.
He wasn’t even in the Dragons squad at the time due to injury and was there for a sponsor’s function.
A long way to go for a public nuisance charge.
COCAINE BROTHERS IN CANBERRA
New Zealand representatives Jesse Bromwich and Kevin Proctor were out and about in Canberra just hours after a 2017 loss playing for their country, and were caught getting into some gear courtesy of a big fan and friendly local who liked to share.
This entry was allowed into our NRL Late night antics list as using the substance was not technically illegal in the ACT at the time of the incident, and only the supplier was charged.
JOEL MONAGHAN
We can’t actually recall if this incident was a late night antic as it happened on a Mad Monday with the Canberra Raiders in 2010, and you would like to think it happened later in the evening.
If you don’t remember the incident, Monaghan enticed a dog to lick his member of parliament, and sadly for Monaghan’s NRL Career someone took a photo of it.
He eventually left for the UK Super League, which was a good way to escape most but not all of the notoriety.
The second entry into the NRL Late Night Antics that involves a canine.
JARRYD HAYNE SHOT AT IN KINGS CROSS
We could include a few more of Jarryd Hayne’s late-night antics, but we are trying to stay out of the courts.
One incident that qualifies for our A to Z of Late Night Antics is when Hayne and Mark Gasnier were shot at in Kings Cross on a night out.
Reportedly it stems from an altercation earlier, but it was certainly an escalation from the occasional push and shove on a footballers’ night out.
Luckily Hayne learnt his lesson from the incident.
HAVE WE MISSED ONE?
If there’s an obvious one we’ve missed, add it to our comments section. Just remember the maximum police charge from the incident can be public nuisance.
THE A TO Z OF RUGBY LEAGUE SO FAR
D is Defunct Clubs and Disused Grounds
E is for English Rugby League Players in Australia
F is for Best Rugby League Facial Hair
H is for Best Rugby League Hair
J if for Best Rugby League Jerseys
