Why former Origin player Oshae Jackson Tuiasau’s alleged fatal one-punch case has been delayed

The case against a former age group State of Origin rugby league player accused of a fatal one-punch in Surfers Paradise is facing a major delay. Find out why

Oshae Jackson Tuiasau leaves Southport Magistrates Court on December 12, 2022.

The case against a former age group State of Origin rugby league player accused of a fatal one-punch in Surfers Paradise has been delayed due to an 18-month wait for an autopsy report.

Oshae Jackson Tuiasau allegedly struck Toro George once in the face on View Ave, Surfers Paradise about 4am on December 19 2021.

Mr George was knocked unconscious and died in hospital days later.

Tuiasau was charged with unlawful striking causing death and grievous bodily harm.

During a mention in the Southport Magistrates Court on Wednesday, police prosecutor Senior Sergeant Paige Barrow asked for the matter to be adjourned due to the autopsy report not being complete.

“The pathologist who had the task of doing the autopsy report conducted the autopsy. He recently passed away and his caseload needs to be relocated,” Sen-Sgt Barrow said.

“It has not been reallocated yet, he (the pathologist) has passed away quite recently.

“We are not sure why it had not been done in the time he had it.”

Oshae Tuiasau played on the Titans under 20s squad.

She said it could take another six to 12 months for the report to be complete.

Tuiasau, who is on bail, did not appear in court and was represented by Defence, Daniel McShane of Rawlings Criminal Law.

Magistrate Ron Kilner adjourned the matter to July 13.

“This matter has now been going since December 2021 so it should be given some priority,” he said.

In December last year, the Southport Magistrates Court was told the former Queensland player allegedly lashed out because the man had assaulted his wife.

The youth worker was a product of the Keebra Park rugby league program and graduate of the Titans under-20s team.

He’s played for various teams in the Queensland Cup, and came off the bench for the Queensland State of Origin under-20s in 2015.