Former Hawks big-man Harry Froling has sustained serious head injuries after he fell victim to an alleged one-punch assault in Wollongong, with a 19-year-old man arrested on Tuesday afternoon.
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Froling, the older brother of current Hawks captain Sam Froling, was a favourite among fans and teammates with Illawarra last season before returning to Brisbane for a second stint with the Bullets this year.
He had 14 points and nine rebounds in the Bullets' win over his former club in Wollongong on Saturday night before the alleged incident occurred.
Froling was found unconscious on a Crown Street footpath in the early hours of Sunday, with emergency services called to the scene about 2.40am.
He was taken to Wollongong Hospital where he discharged himself. Froling then travelled to Brisbane where he attended Prince Charles Hospital, with subsequent scans showing the extent of his head injuries, which included a fractured skull.
He remains in hospital in a stable condition.
Wollongong police have confirmed an investigation is underway with inquiries showing Froling was the victim of an alleged one-punch attack which caused him to fall to the ground.
A 19-year-old man since turned himself in to Wollongong Police Station just before 3.30pm on Tuesday following a public appeal.
Staff members at a late-night eatery Star Venus, located across from where the alleged incident occurred, said they heard emergency services arrive with about three police cars at the scene.
Worker Danial Bolskekhwa said he didn't see the alleged assault unfold, but saw a man lying on the ground unconscious surrounded by officers and took footage on his phone.
"I went outside to see what was going on, basically I saw a guy on the ground across the road," he said.
"I called security guards from the Heyday nightclub and told them what I saw.
"When I went to the other side of the road I saw two women trying to revive that guy. The police came and then the ambulance as well."
The Bullets released a statement confirming Froling will miss the remainder of the season due to the alleged attack.
"The Brisbane Bullets are working closely with NSW Police and NBL Integrity Unit as they investigate the circumstances surrounding an alleged assault on Harry Froling," the statement read.
"Harry is currently recovering from an incident that occurred following the team's away game in Wollongong and will miss the remainder of the NBL23 season.
"As an investigation is underway the club is not in a position to make any further comment, other than to say the players, coaches and staff all send their well wishes to Harry, and his family."
Police confirmed inquiries into the incident are continuing.
"Anyone who witnessed the incident or has any information that may assist with the investigation is urged to call Wollongong Police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000," a statement said.
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Mitch Jennings
Sports writer. Sport is my passion, rugby league my first love.
Sports writer. Sport is my passion, rugby league my first love.
Grace Crivellaro
Court reporter for the Illawarra Mercury.
Court reporter for the Illawarra Mercury.
