Canberra Raiders rising star Tom Starling has been charged with assaulting police during a brawl on the Central Coast.

After spending the night in the cells, Starling emerged from Gosford Police Station – with cuts across his nose and eye.

It was 10:45pm last night when security guards called for support after a patron refused to leave a bar at Avoca Beach.

Starling, was allegedly among a group who tried to intervene – resulting in a brawl with police.

The Riot squad called in help break up the fight. The Canberra Raiders star is facing a string of charges including assaulting police and affray.

The NRL is aware of the incident, the Raiders say they are also aware and won’t be making any further comment.