Yesterday, Samoa’s World Cup hopes were dealt a blow.
Many offered them to beat England in the opener at St James’ Park and finish top of the group leading to a favorable quarter-final draw, making the road to the final wide open for a star-studded Samoan side .
However, when star player Jarome Luai included a racial slur in an Instagram post celebrating his side’s NRL Grand Final against Parramatta on Sunday.
The NRL’s Integrity Unit is aware of the comments, but an investigation has not yet been launched.
So his World Cup hopes are in the air and the same can now be said of his Samoa Cowboys team-mate Luciano Leilua, who was charged by police on Monday over a domestic violence incident in Sydney.
He has vowed to clear his name as his lawyer told the media the attacker was ‘upset’ by the allegation he assaulted his partner according to Zero tackle.
Meanwhile, he went on to tell the Sydney Morning Herald: “I can confirm that Mr Leilua denies any wrongdoing and will defend these issues vehemently.
“Mr. Leilua has never been charged with acts of violence in the past and is distressed by the allegations made against him, as he opposes any type of violence. It is not in his nature.”
Leilua opted not to fly to England for tournament preparations, although it is believed he could not with the legal issue still unresolved.
Now, reports suggest his role in the tournament as a whole is up in the air.
It means Samoa could be without him when they meet England in the opener.
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