a day ago
Queensland State of Origin star Patrick Carrigan stepped in to stop former Broncos teammate from indecently assaulting a woman
Queensland Maroons forward and Broncos leader Patrick Carrigan has been praised for intervening in an incident involving his former teammate TC Robati, who indecently assaulted a woman during a night out in Brisbane.
The disturbing details emerged in Brisbane District Court on Wednesday after a jury found Robati not guilty of raping a woman during a separate incident at a Fortitude Valley hotel in 2022.
However, shortly after the verdict was delivered, Robati pleaded guilty to a charge of unlawful and indecent assault involving a different woman just 10 days later.
The court heard that on this second occasion, Broncos forward Carrigan physically stepped between Robati and the woman after witnessing the assault in real time.
Carrigan's actions de-escalated the situation and stopped the assault from continuing.
According to prosecutors, Robati had touched the woman on the neck, waist and breast over her clothing while she was out with her boyfriend and a friend.
Security staff witnessed the incident and later contacted the woman. A formal police complaint followed.
Robati, 24, was sentenced to two years probation for the offence. No conviction was recorded.
Judge Paul Everson described the assault as 'brazen' and 'creepy,' noting Robati's behaviour showed a sense of 'entitlement.'
'The defendant was a public figure,' the judge said. 'Status does not shield you from accountability.'
He acknowledged Carrigan's intervention, and said the incident was serious, despite being considered 'low-level' offending.
Earlier that day, Robati had been acquitted of two rape charges stemming from a separate incident at The Prince Consort Hotel in December 2022.
In that case, a woman alleged that Robati forced her to perform oral sex inside a disabled toilet.
She testified she thought she was following him to use cocaine, but once inside the cubicle, he allegedly assaulted her and ignored her protests.
The jury deliberated for over seven hours before finding him not guilty on both charges.
Robati cried as the verdicts were delivered. His mother was also seen wiping away tears.
Despite the serious allegations and the consequences for his rugby league career, Robati's lawyer David Funch said he remains optimistic.
'He's effectively lost everything,' Mr Funch told the court.
The Broncos terminated Robati's contract after charges were laid.
Funch said Robati grew up in tough conditions in New Zealand, in a household of 15 people with an absent father who spent time in prison.
Despite this, he secured a sporting scholarship to Australia in 2018 and played 17 NRL games for Brisbane.
Since leaving the club, he has worked various jobs including road labour, food packing, and is now employed at an auto parts business.
Funch said Robati is still pursuing a return to rugby league and currently volunteers as a coach for an A-grade side.
'He was enjoying fame and fortune, he had just turned 21 at the time of offending,' Funch said.
Judge Everson said Robati's age and efforts toward rehabilitation were taken into account.
While no conviction was recorded, Robati will remain under supervision and must comply with strict probation conditions.
Meanwhile, Patrick Carrigan has been making headlines for his Origin performances, having been moved to the bench for Game II.
Carrigan responded to the demotion professionally, saying it's more about impact than punishment.
'Everyone is entitled to their own opinions,' he said of the criticism directed at Queensland's forward pack.
Carrigan made a game-high 53 tackles and ran 139 metres in Origin I.
