Scott Bolton is set to be rushed back to Sydney from Townsville after being included in North Queensland's line-up against Wests Tigers on Thursday.
Two days after being charged by police with an alleged indecent assault, an emotional Bolton broke into tears while reading a statement in front of the media on Tuesday.
He told reporters in Townsville he understood people wanted him to talk about the allegation but he couldn't because police and the NRL integrity unit were investigating.
"What I can say is that I am taking the matter very seriously and cooperating fully with both the police and the NRL integrity unit," said Bolton.
"I would ask that you respect the privacy of my wife and my family who are supporting me through this difficult time."
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Bolton was charged on Sunday following a complaint by a female patron at a Bondi bar on Saturday night when the Cowboys were out for dinner and drinks while in camp in Sydney.
Bolton is allowed by the NRL to continue playing while the investigation is conducted, and flew back to Townsville earlier in the week but is expected to re-unite with his teammates for the match.
