May 12, 2026
A brawl which erupted at T.J. O’Neill Oval in Kingaroy after the 2023 South Burnett Rugby League Grand Final has finally had its last day in court.
Several people were arrested on the night and charged at the time with various offences, including affray, common assault and trespass although some of these counts were later downgraded to public nuisance.
These charges have all been dealt with.
The outstanding matter were charges against former Kingaroy and Nanango senior rugby league player Ashley Smallwood.
Smallwood was due to face trial in the District Court in Kingaroy on Tuesday but at the last minute pleaded guilty to four counts of common assault.
Judge Glen Cash sentenced Smallwood to nine months’ jail, but suspended the sentence for 12 months.
If Smallwood commits another offence within that time, he risks being ordered to serve the prison term.
For the record, the Kingaroy Red Ants defeated the Cherbourg Hornets 28-12 in the Grand Final game.
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