Police investigate ‘racially provoked’ street brawl involving James Segeyaro after man ‘threatened to pull a knife’

New South Wales Police are investigating a street fight in Cronulla involving former Leeds player James Segeyaro and St George Illawarra star Corey Norman.

Norman and Segeyaro are business partners and confirmed their involvement in the Friday night brawl via a statement released on their company’s Instagram page.

The pair claim they were walking home from dinner with two women when they were approached by a group of four men, with one of them racially abusing Segeyaro by calling him “the N-word”.

“An argument ensued, and Corey came in to defuse the situation,” the statement read.

“He was then blind-sided and a fight broke out.

“It had all but broken up when one of them threatened to pull a knife.

“As individuals and as a brand we will always stand up against racism.

“Sometimes it’s as simple as re-sharing a post or making a video, other times it’s defending yourself.

“Although we don’t condone violence, if there’s a time to fight, then let it be against racism, protecting female company and having your friend’s back.”

NSW Police are now making enquiries into what happened on the night, with the brawl filmed by a bystander.

The extent of Norman and Segeyaro’s involvement in the altercation is unknown despite the amateur footage.

The NRL Integrity Unit is investigating claims a high-profile player and a former player were involved in a street brawl in Cronulla on Friday night. Video has surfaced showing around eight people arguing in a laneway before punches were thrown. https://t.co/TWh1KQycs4 #7NEWS pic.twitter.com/5nkONyKHJV

— 7NEWS Sydney (@7NewsSydney) January 24, 2021

A police statement read: “About 9:40pm last Friday (22 January 2021), police responded to reports of a brawl involving up to eight people in Surf Lane, Cronulla.

“Police patrolled the area; however, the group had dispersed prior to their arrival.

“Officers from Sutherland Shire Police Area Command are making inquiries into the matter.”

The NRL’s integrity unit and St George Illawarra Dragons are also investigating the incident.