QLD Cowboys’ Luciano Leilua pleads not guilty to domestic violence
A North Queensland Cowboys player was stood down after being accused of assaulting a woman and then smashing her phone. But he plans to fight the allegations.
Macarthur
Don't miss out on the headlines from Macarthur. Followed categories will be added to My News.
A NRL player who police allege assaulted a woman at a southwest Sydney home will fight the charges at a hearing next year.
Luciano Leilua, 26, faced Campbelltown Local Court on Tuesday where he revealed he would fight the charges.
Lawyer Ali El-Darwich confirmed his client’s pleas of not guilty to two domestic violence offences – common assault and damaging or destroying property.
The North Queensland Cowboys player is accused of attacking a 26-year-old woman known to him, and was arrested at a home in Harrington Park on October 3.
A hearing was set down for May 18, 2023 but Mr El-Darwich asked if they could be notified if an earlier date became available.
The hearing is estimated to take three hours.
Earlier this month, a NSW Police spokeswoman said officers were called to a home on Alexandra Crescent about 1pm on October 3, after receiving reports about an alleged domestic violence incident.
“Officers from Narellan Police Area Command attended and were told a 26-year-old woman had allegedly been assaulted by a man known to her,” she said.
“It’s further alleged the man smashed her phone after assaulting her.”
Originally from Sydney, Leilua has played 110 NRL games.
He had stints at St George Illawarra and Wests Tigers before he signed a contract worth more than $2 million with North Queensland in 2021.
On October 6, the Cowboys confirmed Leilua had been stood down from all club duties.
“The NRL have today invoked their no-fault stand down policy for North Queensland Cowboys player Luciano Leilua,” the club said in a statement this month.
“The Cowboys will continue to provide support to all parties involved and will await the completion of the court process before making any further comment.”
Former Manly and Roosters prop Ligi Sao was selected for the Samoan World Cup squad to replace Leilua.
The NRL said it had advised the North Queensland Cowboys Leilua was subject to a No-Fault Stand Down condition under the league’s rules.
“The decision should in no way be interpreted as a view on the innocence or guilt of the player,” the league said in a statement earlier this month.
“The discretionary No-Fault Stand Down condition has been applied in this instance as the criminal charges involve allegations that the player has acted violently in relation to a female.
“Under the condition, the player is not permitted to participate as a player in the NRL competition or any representative competitions.
“The No-Fault Stand Down condition is recognised by the Rugby League World Cup.”
More Coverage
Originally published as QLD Cowboys’ Luciano Leilua pleads not guilty to domestic violence
Birds-eye view: Drone footage shows new Sydney motorway from sky
Stunning aerial footage has offered a window into the future, showing Sydneysiders the major motorway set to connect them to their new airport.
Des Hasler severs final link with Manly
NRL supercoach Des Hasler has cut his final ties to his once-beloved Manly.