Italian drama as James Tedesco king-hit by teammate in bar brawl

STAR fullback James Tedesco was king-hit by Italian teammate Shannon Wakeman in a Cairns bar that sparked an ugly melee among players.

James Tedesco was reportedly king-hit by an Italian teammate

STAR fullback James Tedesco was king-hit by Italian teammate Shannon Wakeman in a Cairns bar that sparked an ugly melee among players on Sunday evening.

Rugby League World Cup officials are investigating the incident, which took place at Cairns’ Pier Bar, where the Italian squad had gathered following their 36-12 loss to Ireland.

Wakeman believed Tedesco had propositioned his girlfriend and hit the Italian No. 1, angering his teammates in ugly scenes that spilt across tables.

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The Dapto-born Wakeman, who plays for Huddersfield in the UK Super League, was banished from the team for the night.

Despite Wakeman’s actions, it’s believed coach Cameron Ciraldo and senior players agreed to let the 106kg prop remain in the tournament.

In a statement on Tuesday afternoon, the Federazione Italian Rugby League said both players would front an internal review committee within the next 24 hours to discuss their conduct.

The Italian squad have since moved on to Townsville, where they will try and get their flagging World Cup hopes back on track against the USA on Sunday .

Originally published as Italian drama as James Tedesco king-hit by teammate in bar brawl