- The alleged incident occurred at the Sunshine Coast competition
- Left the 19-year-old with a broken jaw in three places
- Queensland Police have laid charges over the alleged incident.
An alleged attack in the Sunshine Coast rugby league competition left one player with a shattered jaw and another suspended for 12 months and facing serious criminal charges.
Noosa Pirates player Keegan McKinnon has been charged with grievous bodily harm by Queensland Police after allegedly punching Caloundra Sharks player Cooper Paul during their preliminary final in September.
Paul, 19, was transported to hospital with his jaw broken in three places after McKinnon allegedly punched him in an off-ball incident at Sunshine Coast Stadium.
Queensland Police have confirmed that a 22-year-old man has been charged over the incident.
“Police will allege the man punched the victim during a sports match at a facility on Sportsman Parade at around 4pm,” a spokeswoman said. news corporation.
Queensland Police have been contacted for comment.
Queensland police have charged a 22-year-old Noosa Pirates player over the alleged attack.
Michael Paul (right) has described the family’s grief after his son Cooper (left) required facial reconstructive surgery to repair a broken jaw in three places.
The Caloundra Sharks had previously provided an update on Paul’s condition following the alleged attack.
“Unfortunately, our incredible Reserve Grades victory yesterday to advance to the GF was marred by an (alleged) unprovoked incident late in the game which ended our season for Caloundra Junior, 19-year-old Cooper Paul,” the club posted.
‘Cooper is in the Royal Brisbane Hospital undergoing surgery for 3 jaw fractures and has been in a lot of pain.
‘Our best wishes to Cooper and his family for a successful surgery and a speedy recovery. The club is right behind you, friend.
Paul’s father, Michael, also posted about the heartbreak the family had gone through when his son underwent facial reconstructive surgery.
“We would like to thank everyone for the well wishes and kind words for Coops,” he posted.
‘He just came out of the operating room, after two days of hell, and everything went well. He’s in a good mood.
“He loves the boys and the Sharkies, he’s gutted he’ll miss the GF.”
“I am struggling to come to terms with what happened and I will not stop until justice is served for my son.”
The Sunshine Coast community has rallied around the Paul family to help with Cooper’s ongoing medical expenses.
Michael Paul also confirmed that his son had been able to return to work on light duties at Battery Wise Warana.
“We would also like to say a huge thank you to the Maroochydore Swans Senior Rugby League Club for donating a table at the recent fight night where we were able to sell tickets and raise funds for Coop’s ongoing medical expenses,” Michael posted.
“He is very humbled by the support the local football community has given him and looks forward to playing for his beloved Sharks again in 2026.”
McKinnon is due to appear at Maroochydore Magistrates Court on December 12.