Police investigate wild brawl as 22 fans evicted from South Sydney Rabbitohs-Sydney Roosters clash

Souths are suddenly 4-1 after five rounds under coach Wayne Bennett, and will spend the next month playing in front of huge crowds: 40,000 are expected at Optus Stadium in the Western Australian capital, followed by a similar attendance for the Good Friday clash against the Bulldogs, 20,000-plus fans at AAMI Park in Melbourne for Anzac Day, then a sellout at Suncorp Stadium for Magic Round.

As for Friday’s unruly scenes, South Sydney chief executive Blake Solly said the club was working with the NRL and stadium authorities.

A Venues NSW spokesperson said: “Police and security responded and, ultimately, two groups of 11 males were evicted via different stadium gates. No medical assistance was required and no injuries were reported.

“NSW Police and Venues NSW are reviewing the incident to identify the instigators.

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“Any offenders will be dealt with by police and face bans from attending future events.

“Venues NSW has a zero-tolerance approach to anti-social behaviour, and we have in place strong processes to identify, respond to and resolve incidents.”

An NRL spokesperson added: “The NRL will work with the venue, security and NSW Police to identify instigators and take action through the NRL spectator code of conduct. Anti-social or abusive behaviour at NRL matches will not be tolerated.”