Player Stopped by Teammate During Indecent Assault Incident in Brisbane
A night out in Brisbane turned into a serious legal matter when Teui “TC” Robati, a former National Rugby League (NRL) player for the Brisbane Broncos, was witnessed indecently assaulting a woman — an act that was halted by one of his teammates, Patrick Carrigan. The incident, which occurred in Fortitude Valley, was recently brought to light in court proceedings, adding another chapter to Robati’s growing legal troubles.
On June 13, 2025, the Brisbane District Court heard that Patrick Carrigan intervened during the troubling incident by physically stepping between Robati and the woman involved. His actions helped to stop the assault as it unfolded during the night out. The moment underscored the seriousness of the situation, with Carrigan’s conduct highlighted as a crucial act that potentially prevented further harm.
Robati’s courtroom appearance came just minutes after he was acquitted of two separate rape charges. These charges were linked to another incident that allegedly occurred in the early hours of December 11, 2022, inside a disabled toilet at The Prince Consort Hotel in Fortitude Valley — a popular nightlife district in Brisbane. In that case, a young woman had accused Robati of raping her twice within the confines of the hotel restroom.
After two days of deliberations that lasted over seven hours, the jury — consisting of seven women and five men — returned a verdict of not guilty on both rape charges. The jury had previously indicated difficulties in reaching a unanimous decision but ultimately cleared Robati of the serious allegations.
The verdict marked a significant legal victory for the 24-year-old former athlete. In the courtroom, Robati was visibly emotional, seen wiping away tears as the jury’s decision was delivered. His mother, who was present in the gallery, also became emotional upon hearing the not guilty verdicts.
Supporters from both sides — Robati’s and the complainant’s — were in attendance to hear the outcome. The courtroom atmosphere was intense and emotional, reflective of the high stakes and the personal nature of the trial.
Despite being cleared of the rape charges, Robati did not leave court without consequences. Shortly after the verdict was read, he pleaded guilty to a separate incident of unlawful and indecent assault against a different woman. This assault, unlike the earlier accusations, had a direct witness: Patrick Carrigan.
According to evidence presented in court, Carrigan saw Robati engaging in inappropriate and unwanted physical contact with a woman during another night out in Brisbane. Carrigan’s intervention — by stepping between his teammate and the woman — was described as both decisive and necessary. His actions likely prevented the situation from escalating further and showed a level of responsibility amid otherwise troubling behavior.
This newer charge paints a complex picture of Robati. While he was acquitted of the more serious allegations of rape, he has now admitted guilt in a separate criminal offense that still involves unwanted sexual behavior. The incident adds to a string of legal issues that have impacted his standing in the rugby league community and cast uncertainty on his professional future.
Robati’s defense barrister, David Funch, acknowledged the serious nature of the charges but maintained that Robati remains hopeful about his future. According to Funch, despite the court cases and the potential damage to his career, Robati still aspires to return to professional rugby league and rebuild his life. Funch emphasized that the former Broncos player has not given up on his sporting ambitions.
This case has captured public attention not only because of the severity of the accusations but also due to the involvement of high-profile NRL athletes. Carrigan, a respected figure in the Brisbane Broncos squad, has been praised by some for his actions during the assault incident. His decision to intervene on behalf of the woman reflects a sense of duty and accountability that is not always seen in such cases involving athletes.
Meanwhile, Robati’s legal battles raise questions about conduct within professional sports environments and the responsibilities athletes have, both on and off the field. The NRL has, in the past, dealt with a number of off-field incidents involving players, prompting discussions about culture, accountability, and player behavior.
While Robati was cleared of the rape charges — which could have carried severe legal and personal consequences — his guilty plea in the indecent assault case means that legal ramifications are not entirely behind him. Sentencing for the indecent assault conviction is expected to follow, and could include penalties such as fines, community service, or even imprisonment, depending on the court’s final decision.
For now, Robati’s future in the NRL remains uncertain. Although cleared of rape, the acknowledgment of guilt in another serious incident may hinder his path back to the professional level. The NRL and his former club, the Broncos, will likely consider both the legal outcomes and the broader implications for the sport’s image as they deliberate on whether he can return to play.
This incident also shines a spotlight on the importance of bystander intervention. Carrigan’s decision to step in when he witnessed inappropriate behavior sends a strong message about the role individuals can play in preventing harm and supporting victims in real time. His response could serve as an example for others, particularly in environments where toxic behavior may otherwise go unchallenged.
In summary, while Teui “TC” Robati was acquitted of the rape allegations against him, his legal troubles are far from over. His admission of guilt in an indecent assault case — observed and stopped by teammate Patrick Carrigan — adds complexity to his public image and leaves open questions about his future in rugby league. The case underscores broader concerns about athlete conduct, personal accountability, and the culture within elite sports teams.
As legal proceedings continue and the sports world reacts, both the public and the NRL will be watching closely to see how Robati’s case evolves, and what lessons — if any — are drawn from the troub
ling events of that night in Brisbane.
