The Western Bulldogs say they’re taking a long-term approach as they support Jamarra Ugle-Hagan through personal issues, while banned Tiger Noah Balta is now waiting to learn what penalty a NSW court will impose.
The Western Bulldogs say they’re taking a long-term approach as they support Jamarra Ugle-Hagan through personal issues, while banned Tiger Noah Balta is now waiting to learn what penalty a NSW court will impose.
By Danny Russell
January 30, 2025 — 11.45am
Suspended Richmond defender Noah Balta intends to plead guilty to assaulting another man outside a NSW club the day before New Year’s Eve, a court heard on Thursday.
Balta was charged with assaulting a 27-year-old man at Mulwala Water Ski Club at 12.30am on December 30.
The victim was taken to Yarrawonga hospital to be treated for cuts to his head.
Balta’s lawyer told Corowa Local Court on Thursday he would plead guilty to a charge of assault occasioning actual bodily harm. Balta did not appear in court.
The case has been deferred to March 27 for sentencing. Noah’s bail has been extended until the next court date.
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Richmond announced on January 9 that it was suspending the 25-year-old Balta for the first four matches of the coming season.
The Tigers said he would continue to train with the team but also miss pre-season matches and undergo counselling and education programmes.
Richmond chief executive officer Shane Dunne said at the time that Balta “deeply regrets being involved in the incident”.
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“He has assisted the NSW Police in their investigation, and he is keen to have the matter concluded as soon as possible,” Dunne said.
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“While the outcome of the investigation and the charge will be a matter for the police and the courts, both Noah and the club accept that players can’t put themselves in these situations.
“After thorough consideration – which included discussions with the player leadership group – we arrived at a decision that reflects the seriousness of the incident and at the same time will help Noah address this behaviour.
“The club will continue to support him through this period and our collective hope, and expectation, is that we will see the best of Noah on and off the field from this point on.”
Balta, who has played 104 games with Richmond including the 2020 premiership, signed a seven-year contract extension last year that would take him through to the end of the 2032 season.
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Danny Russell is a racing writer for The Age.
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