An emotional North Queensland prop Scott Bolton was close to tears as he spoke about the indecent assault charges he is facing and said he would co-operate fully with the police and the NRL Integrity Unit.
Bolton addressed a half a dozen media members in front of Cowboys HQ, dressed in a club polo shirt and shorts.
He became clearly emotional as he read the statement and did not stay to answer questions after reading his prepared speech.
"I understand that our members, partners and fans would like me to talk about the allegation that has been made against me," Bolton said.
"However, since this is a matter that involves the police and the NRL Integrity Unit, I am unable to make any comments about the incident right now.
"What I can say is that I am taking the matter very seriously and cooperating fully with both the police and the NRL integrity unit.
Scott Bolton's statement
"I have been approved to play by the NRL and the club during the investigation and so will work with the coach and our football department to decide whether I will play this week or not.
"I would ask that you respect the privacy of my wife and my family who are supporting me through this difficult time."
He did not say whether he would return to Sydney for Thursday night's clash with the Wests Tigers at Leichhardt Oval.
Bolton has been granted conditional bail after he was charged in relation to the alleged indecent assault of a woman at Bondi Beach.
The NSW Police Force released a statement on the incident on Sunday night:
"A man has been granted conditional bail to appear in court later this month charged over the alleged indecent assault of a woman at Bondi Beach overnight. Police were called to licenced premises on Campbell parade about 10.50pm (Saturday 5 May 2018), after a female patron reported she had been indecently assaulted. Officers from Eastern Suburbs Police Area Command initiated an investigation and arrested a 30-year-old man about 9.20am (Sunday 6 May 2018), at Waverley Police Station. The man, who is from Queensland, has been charged with assault with an act of indecency. He was granted conditional bail to appear in Waverley Local Court on Tuesday 19 June 2018."
