Slater released after nightclub scuffle

Australia full-back Billy Slater has been released without charge after being detained by police this morning.

Slater, 30, played in the Kangaroos’ 50-0 win over Ireland on Saturday, and he and team-mates were free of official duties after returning to England.

He has been cleared of any wrong doing following the incident in Manchester.

A Kangaroos statement said: “Australian Rugby League team management can confirm player Billy Slater was detained by police this morning and has been released without charge.

“After reviewing CCTV footage of a scuffle outside a Manchester nightclub, police have determined that Slater was the victim who then acted in self-defence and has informed him of his right to press charges.

“Billy was returning to the venue to collect his jacket that he left behind when he was attacked. Both men were detained for several hours while police reviewed footage of the incident.”

Slater has made two appearances in the tournament so far, scoring a try apiece in the wins over England and Ireland.

Australia‘s next game is their quarter-final against USA at Wrexham on Saturday afternoon.