A NIGHT out in Dee Why for Sea Eagles pair Steve Matai and Anthony Watmough turned violent when they were bashed by a group of men in an unprovoked attack outside Matai’s home.
Both Matai and Watmough were taken to Mona Vale Hospital in the early hours of Sunday morning after being attacked by a group of up to eight men.
It is believed Matai was king-hit and knocked unconscious before Watmough came to the aid of his teammate and was himself set upon.
Both players were released from hospital on Sunday morning and will make a full recovery.
Watmough said he and Matai did not provoke their attackers.
“We had been enjoying a great night out when this happened,†Watmough told The Manly Daily on Monday.
“I want to make it clear; we didn’t retaliate or provoke an attack and are happy to co-operate with police to aid their investigations.
“I have no idea why it happened or who they were.â€Â
Matai had little recollection of the incident.
“I saw my attacker coming, but not the punch,†the 25-year-old said.
“After that, I can’t remember a thing.â€Â
Manly CEO Graham Lowe said the players were lucky to escape any further damage.
“It could have been far worse,†he said.
“I’m very pleased that they have followed the protocol that the club has in place and they didn’t respond in any way,†Manly CEO Graham Lowe said.
“They were left defenceless.
“I think it’s a tragedy that it’s happened to two Manly players.
“It’s also a tragedy that these sort of things happens in our society.
“That sort of attack, anything could have happened.â€Â
A police statement said the two players were assaulted on Warringah Rd at 1.30am on Sunday while waiting for a taxi at Beacon Hill.
Police said an unprovoked assault occurred and Matai fell to the ground and hit his head and lost consciousness for a period of time.
Watmough was then kicked and punched to his head and body.
The three attackers fled the scene and the two men were taken to Mona Vale Hospital.
Watmough was treated for a wound to the forehead and grazes to his arms and legs.
Matai was treated for bruises to his head.
Statements are yet to be obtained and inquiries are continuing.
Manly Daily