NRL 2022: Luciano Leilua stood down by Cowboys amid domestic violence allegations

Cowboys star Luciano Leilua has been stood down by the NRL and banned from the World Cup, after being charged with alleged domestic violence offences.

NRL CEO Andrew Abdo has used discretionary powers to stand down Luciano Leilua. Picture: Getty Images.

North Queensland Cowboys forward Luciano Leilua has been stood down by the NRL and banned from the World Cup after being charged with alleged domestic violence offences.

The Samoa international has been scrubbed from the upcoming World Cup after NRL CEO Andrew Abdo used discretionary powers to stand down Leilua from playing duties immediately.

Leilua, 26, was arrested and charged with common assault (DV) and damaging or destroying property (DV) on Monday following an alleged incident in Sydney involving a woman known to him.

He did not travel to England with the Samoa squad earlier this week and is due to face Campbelltown Local Court on Tuesday.

Leilua’s alleged offences did not fall under the NRL’s No Fault Stand Down policy given the maximum jail term does not exceed 11 years.

However the NRL has discretionary powers to stand down players facing criminal charges, which Abdo has enacted.

NRL CEO Andrew Abdo has used discretionary powers to stand down Luciano Leilua. Picture: Getty Images.

The NRL has liaised with the International Rugby League Federation which will see Leilua’s sanction include the World Cup. Samoa will need to draft in another player to replace Leilua.

In a statement, the NRL said the stand down decision does not reflect Leilua’s guilt or innocence.

“The NRL has advised the North Queensland Cowboys that Luciano Leilua is subject to a No-Fault Stand Down condition under the NRL Rules,” it said.

“The decision should in no way be interpreted as a view on the innocence or guilt of the player.

“The discretionary No-Fault Stand Down condition has been applied in this instance as the criminal charges involve allegations that the player has acted violently in relation to a female.

“Under the condition, the player is not permitted to participate as a player in the NRL competition or any representative competitions. The No-Fault Stand Down condition is recognised by the Rugby League World Cup.”

Leilua has been banned from representing Samoa at the Rugby League World Cup. Picture: AAP.

Leilua’s legal team has indicated the former Wests Tigers and Dragons forward, who has played 110 NRL games, plans to fight the charges.

“Our client intends on defending these matters,” said high-profile Sydney lawyer Elias Tabchouri earlier this week.

“He denies any wrongdoing and maintains his innocence. He has never been in trouble with police and does not condone violence in any form.

“He is extremely distressed in relation to the events. He is focusing on his family and hopes this will be resolved sooner rather than later.”

The Cowboys said they would be providing support to Leilua and other parties involved in the matter.

“The NRL have today invoked their no-fault stand down policy for North Queensland Cowboys player Luciano Leilua,” the club said.

“Accordingly, Leilua will now be stood down from all club duties.

“The Cowboys will continue to provide support to all parties involved and will await the completion of the court process before making any further comment.”

Originally published as NRL 2022: Luciano Leilua stood down by Cowboys amid domestic violence allegations