WESTS Tigers rugby league forward Bryce Gibbs is expected to continue playing despite being charged with five offences following a fracas with police and security staff at Rosehill racecourse on Saturday.

Tigers officials, including chief executive Steve Noyce and coach Tim Sheens, met yesterday to discuss Gibbs’s position.

Gibbs is the fourth National Rugby League player this year to continue playing while facing charges. Tigers assistant coach Royce Simmons and hooker Robbie Farah were among others at Rosehill, although they were not with Gibbs.

WESTS Tigers rugby league forward Bryce Gibbs is expected to continue playing despite being charged with five offences following a fracas with police and security staff at Rosehill racecourse on Saturday.

Gibbs was arrested after allegedly spitting in the face of a police sergeant and attempting to head butt another officer at the Golden Slipper meeting.

Gibbs was charged with failing to quit a licensed premises, assaulting police, resisting arrest, malicious damage and hindering police. He was bailed to appear in Parramatta Local Court on May 2.

In July 2005, Gibbs was charged with assault and evading a taxi fare after a drinking session with teammates in Sydney’s lower north shore. He was acquitted of those charges.

Tigers officials, including chief executive Steve Noyce and coach Tim Sheens, met yesterday to discuss Gibbs’s position.

Mr Noyce, who attended Parramatta police station on Saturday night, said the club was investigating the matter and indicated Gibbs would continue to play.

“The facts are he’s got to go to court,” Mr Noyce said. “We need to work out exactly what’s happened. There is a system in Australia where you’re innocent until proven guilty.”

Gibbs is the fourth National Rugby League player this year to continue playing while facing charges. Tigers assistant coach Royce Simmons and hooker Robbie Farah were among others at Rosehill, although they were not with Gibbs.

It is understood Gibbs told Tigers officials the trouble began when he went to report a lost ticket to stewards.

After discussions with officials, Gibbs reportedly attacked security guards and police who were trying to evict him from the race track.