Glen Innes Police Detective Dale Keegan said the assault was a serious matter.

“This is a serious assault. Neither the police nor the community are going to tolerate this sort of behaviour,” he said. “Offenders will be identified and prosecuted immediately.”

A 33-year-old Glen Innes man was arrested on Saturday afternoon and charged with recklessly causing grievous bodily harm. He has been conditionally bailed to appear at Glen Innes Local Court on December 15.

On Monday a second individual, a 33-year-old Grafton man was charged with recklessly causing grievous bodily harm. He has also been bailed and will appear at Glen Innes Local Court on December 15.

It is alleged Ferris sustained a fractured eye socket and fractured jaw. He was taken to Glen Innes and District Hospital and later transferred to the Tamworth Base Hospital where he was discharged on Monday. It is believed Ferris will undergo corrective surgery at John Hunter Hospital in Newcastle today.

Detective Keegan said the police had interviewed a number of witnesses. He said detectives were seeking help from the community in relation to identifying further witnesses and obtaining further information.

Ferris recently returned to his hometown of Glen Innes after a one-year stint with Gundagai football club. It's understood he has been in negotiations with the Inverell Hawks for the Group 19 competition next year.

Ferris enjoyed a seven year career in the NRL from 1996 to 2003, playing for Canberra, North Queensland, Cronulla, the Northern Eagles and Manly before bouncing around a number of Country Rugby League clubs. Ferris played with the Glen Innes Magpies in the 2008 season, the year the Magpies won the Group 19 premiership.

Last month Ferris was charged with allegedly stealing money from the Criterion Hotel in Gundagai and will appear in Gundagai Local Court on December 7.

Anyone with information are asked to contact the Glen Innes Police on 6732 9799.