Sydney Roosters centre BJ Leilua charged with assaulting ex-girlfriend

SYDNEY Roosters star BJ Leilua has been arrested and charged with assaulting his ex-girlfriend.

THE NRL has been plunged into another off-field drama with Roosters star BJ Leilua arrested on Saturday and charged with assaulting his ex-girlfriend.

In news that has rocked the Roosters' preparations for tonight's clash with the Bulldogs at ANZ Stadium, Leilua was charged with three offences - assault, breaching an AVO and a telecommunications offence.

Only last week the 20-year-old was on standby for NSW for State of Origin Game I.

The City Origin representative was arrested at 1.30am at the Allawah Hotel on Saturday morning following an argument.

Police allege the Leilua spat on his former girlfriend and sent personal photos of her to other people.

"He was taken out of the hotel by security and a number of text messages received after the fight,'' a police spokesman said.

"It will also be alleged that the man sent personal photos of the woman via his mobile phone to other people.''

Earlier this month the woman was granted a six month enforceable AVO.

The woman reported the matter to St George police on Saturday and Leilua handed himself into Kogarah police station where he was arrested and charged on Saturday night, police said.

The Roosters this afternoon issued a statement to declare Leilua will not be playing against the Bulldogs tonight.

"Following an incident at a Sydney hotel over the weekend that has resulted in his arrest, Sydney Roosters player Joseph Leilua will not be playing in tonight's game against the Canterbury Bulldogs,'' the statement read

"The matter will go to court next month and with respect for the judicial system, the club will be making no further comment at this time.''

Follow @Telegraph_Sport on Twitter and like Telegraph Sport on Facebook