Parramatta hooker Mark Riddell has described a sickening glass attack on him as an "unfortunate" incident and won't pursue police charges on his attacker.

Riddell said he was left bloodied and dazed after being attacked with a glass from behind at an eastern suburbs pub while Wests Tigers champion Benji Marshall and prop Todd Payten were also targeted by thugs.

The Eels star was rushed to St Vincent's hospital by ambulance but left after two hours of waiting and received six stitches to his deep head wound.

Riddell said his attack was unprovoked and occurred as another patron swung a punch at Marshall.

"I was standing at the bar lining up to get a drink and I saw Benji Marshall and Todd Payten and these blokes were harassing them," said Riddell.

"One of them tried to swing a punch at Benji and just as I turned around to move over there a bloke has come from behind and other people came over and he's glassed me on the melon.

"It was (a huge shock). It was bleeding pretty bad. I went to hospital and got it all stitched up eventually today."

Despite the attack Riddell said he wouldn't pursue police charges, adding that dealing with aggressive patrons is something all NRL stars have to deal with nowadays.

"I'm not worrying about getting the police involved," he said.

"I suppose like anyone you've always got to be careful about where you are and you know I suppose it was just unfortunate that it happened."

And the portly hooker won't be using the incident as an excuse to skip preseason training at Parramatta.

While he's never been known as the most committed trainer, Riddell has vowed to be back in the gym on Friday morning to continue his challenge of becoming an 80-minute footballer.

"I'm alright, a bit of a headache obviously," said Riddell.

"We had the day off today, I will be back into it again tomorrow morning.

"It's going really good, looking forward to it. I have a good challenge ahead of me and it's going to be fun."

Brought to you by AAP © 2024 AAP