The wife of Canberra star Josh Papalii has been issued a court attendance notice to face two charges of common assault for her alleged role in a brawl at a women’s rugby league match.
Masepa Papalii has already been banned for 10 years from attending local matches after the Canberra Region Rugby League (CRRL) found she entered the field during a fiery clash between West Belconnen Warriors and the Bungendore Kangaroos in the Katrina Fanning Shield on July 14.
Her sister-in-law, Crystal Papalii, was initially hit with a 20-week suspension for becoming embroiled in the incident. After pleading guilty and seeking a downgrade, Crystal Papalii was entitled to a 25 per cent reduction for no previous infringements and a further 25 per cent reduction for an early guilty plea, reducing her suspension to 10 games.
Masepa Papalii didn’t respond to the CRRL’s charges, meaning the CRRL and NSWRL will enforce her decade-long ban.
“ACT Policing responded to an incident that occurred at a Belconnen sports facility on Sunday, 14 July 2024,” an ACT Policing spokesperson said.
“Following an investigation, a 32-year-old woman has been served with a court attendance notice to face two charges of common assault. She is due to appear before the ACT Magistrates Court on 10 October 2024.”
Josh Papalii’s wife Masepa has been banned for her involvement in a brawl.
The West Belconnen side was docked a total of six competition points under the “Tough Love in League” application. Two points were deducted for each of the two pitch invasions, while a further two were for the side being responsible for the abandonment of the match. It means the Warriors are out of finals contention.
The incident became headline news in the same week Papalii’s husband Josh celebrated his 300th NRL game for the Canberra Raiders. Footage of the fight, which took place in the second half after the Warriors opened up a 48-0 lead, has been widely circulated on social media. A spectator can be seen running onto the field and engaging with a player, sparking wild scenes between both teams.
Crystal Papalii played a role in the Raiders’ NRLW pre-season trial against Newcastle in July, but has subsequently switched to rugby union following her league ban.
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