Victor Radley under investigation over World Cup ‘fight’ with Ireland forward
Dramatic details have emerged about Victor Radley’s physical altercation with a World Cup rival at England’s team hotel.
Roosters and England forward Victor Radley is under investigation by Rugby League World Cup organisers after a violent altercation with Ireland player James Bentley.
The Daily Telegraph is reporting the incident occurred on Monday morning AEDT, while England’s players were drowning their sorrows following their World Cup semi-final exit at the hands of Samoa the previous day.
Bentley, whose Irish team had been knocked out of the tournament following the group stage, had reportedly been invited back to England’s team hotel outside Manchester when the altercation took place.
Bentley was reportedly the instigator of the confrontation and had been involved in a verbal altercation with England coach Shaun Wane before Radley stepped in and headbutted him.
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Bentley had been arguing with Wane about his non-selection in England’s World Cup team, according to reports.
The 25-year-old Leeds forward was subsequently asked to the leave the premises by England players and officials, according to reports, with suggestions England officials threatend to call the cops on him.
World Cup organisers confirmed an investigation had been launched.
“The RLWC is aware of reported incidents and is in conversation with the respective parties to establish the circumstances,” a spokesman told News Corp.
“There will be no further comment at this time.”
News Corp is also reporting members of Samoa’s national team, who have been sharing the same hotel as England, have expressed concerns about the fact some England players continued to stay in the premises following their World Cup exit.
Radley is now facing a potential NRL sanction, according to The Daily Telegraph.
An NRL spokesman confirmed to the paper the powerful forward was under investigation by the NRL Integrity Unit.
He could be fined or even potential miss NRL games depending on the outcome of the investigation.
Radley’s World Cup campaign has been controversial ever since he was named as part of Shaun Wane’s England squad.
The 24-year-old Roosters enforced sacrificed a future shot at a NSW Blues Origin jumper to play for the country of his father’s birth.
However his selection enraged English legend Garry Schofield, who told The Daily Telegraph: “I wouldn’t have any Kiwis or Aussies anywhere near my dressing room.”
“Waney (coach Shaun Wane) has gone back on his word. Radley was never near getting picked for Australia, that’s why he’s gone for England.”
Radley was also suspended for the opening two games of the 2021 season after tackling a person on the street following a pary in Byron Bay.
Just a few months later he was kicked off a plane ahead of a flight home from the Gold Coast due to being intoxicated.
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