Rugby League World Cup controversy in Cairns as James Tedesco reportedly attacked by teammate at Pier Bar

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

CAIRNS, AUSTRALIA — OCTOBER 29: James Tedesco of Italy runs the ball during the 2017 Rugby League World Cup match between Ireland and Italy at Barlow Park on October 29, 2017 in Cairns, Australia. (Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images)

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ITALY’S poor start to the Rugby League World Cup has taken another downward turn after an alleged brawl involving James Tedesco at the Pier Bar on Sunday.

As the club drowned their sorrows after a disappointing loss to Ireland, it is understood bench player Shannon Wakeman attacked NSW star Tedesco, sparking a brawl.

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.

James Tedesco of Italy runs the ball during the 2017 Rugby League World Cup match between Ireland and Italy at Barlow Park. (Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images)

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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Owners of the Pier Bar refused to comment about the incident, which was believed to be handled in-house by security, who removed the team from the venue.

Shannon Wakeman in action for Italy against Ireland in the first week of the Rugby League World Cup 2017 at Cairns. Picture: Scott Davis/NRL Imagery

Police have no record of the reported incident.

Rugby League World Cup organisers have referred an incident involving the Italian team to the NRL integrity unit, after James Tedesco was allegedly king hit by a teammate.

According to the Seven Network, Tedesco was out with the Italian team in Cairns after their loss to Ireland on Sunday, before a brawl erupted and the NSW Origin star was hit.

The Pier Bar in Cairns was the scene of an alleged altercation between star fullback James Tedesco and a teammate. Photo: Brendan Radke

“The RLWC has been made aware of an incident involving the Italian team in Cairns on Sunday night. The matter has been referred to the NRL integrity unit,” a tournament statement read.

Italy left Cairns for Townsville yesterday ahead of their World Cup match with USA this weekend.

Originally published as Rugby League World Cup controversy in Cairns as James Tedesco reportedly attacked by teammate at Pier Bar