Former rugby league player John Hopoate has been charged with assaulting a Kings Cross nightclub patron whilst working as a bouncer last week.
The 36-year-old was working as a bouncer at the Trademark Hotel on Bayswater Rd club when a fight broke out.
Three men were refused entry by security and police said one allegedly threatened bouncers before they gave chase and a fight broke out.
Police allege Hopoate assaulted a 27-year-old man.
A second man injured in the melee was rushed to St Vincents Hospital with severe head injuries.
The 33-year-old had surgery and was still in a serious condition.
Hopoate was arrested just after 3am on Sunday and charged with assault occasioning actual bodily harm and affray.
It was not known if his alleged victim was injured.
He was granted conditional bail to appear in Downing Centre Local Court on January 11.
Police said other nightclub staff were assisting with inquiries and further charges were expected to be laid.
Hopoate took up boxing following his NRL career which was overshadowed by claims he had inappropriately touched other players by poking his finger at their bottoms.
His boxing career has also sparked controversy after he was disqualified during a bout at Flemington racecourse earlier this year.
Critics said he had treated the fight like a wrestling match.
Buford Balony says: Hoppa is STILL putting food on my families table. Keep it up buddy.
