Richmond Tigers AFL premiership star Noah Balta has been charged over an alleged off-season altercation which left a man with head lacerations.
Police were called to a sports club in Mulwala, near the Victoria/NSW border, shortly after midnight on Tuesday morning.
NSW Police confirmed Balta was charged with one count of assault following an incident where a man was hospitalised, according to Seven News.
The 25-year-old had reportedly been preparing to celebrate the New Year with family and friends.
But he instead presented himself to police just before lunchtime on Tuesday.
Balta was bailed to appear in Corowa Local Court on January 30, which is during the team’s pre-season training.
The AFL has been made aware of the alleged incident by Richmond and its integrity unit is expected to investigate the matter, in addition to the police investigation.
Richmond Tigers AFL premiership star Noah Balta (pictured) has been charged over an alleged off-season altercation which left a man with head lacerations
In his six season career, Balta (pictured) has scored 37 goals for the Richmond Tigers
The key defender, who has played 104 games since his debut at the start of the 2019 season, signed a huge seven-year contract extension just a few months ago.
The extension locks him in as a Richmond player until the end of the 2032 season.
In his six season career, Balta has scored 37 goals for the Tigers.
The Richmond Tigers have been contacted for comment.
