- NRL star James Tedesco has reportedly been king-hit by an Italian teammate
- Shannon Wakeman allegedly struck Tedesco during brawl in Cairns on Sunday
- The Italian team were commiserating shock loss to Ireland when fight broke out
- Sydney Roosters recruit reportedly denied propositioning teammate’s partner
NRL star James Tedesco has reportedly been king-hit by a teammate who believed he had propositioned his girlfriend.
World Cup officials are investigating the incident in which Shannon Wakeman allegedly struck Tedesco in Cairns on Sunday night, Seven News reported.
The Italian teammates were at a popular bar after their shock loss to Ireland when the fight broke, according to the network.
Wakeman allegedly punched Tedesco, sparking a wild brawl with other players before all involved were ejected from the hotel.
NRL star James Tedesco (right) has reportedly been king-hit by teammate Shannon Wakeman (left) who believed he had propositioned his girlfriend
The Sydney Roosters fullback is said however to have denied propositioning his teammate’s partner, believed to be Aimee Bloomfield (pictured)
The Sydney Roosters recruit is said however to have denied flirting with his teammate’s partner.
Wakeman, who plays for English Super League side Huddersfield, has reportedly kept his place in the Italian squad.
He has been in a relationship with personal trainer Aimee Bloomfield since August, according to his Facebook page.
Rugby League World Cup organisers have confirmed the incident is being investigated.
According to Wakeman’s Facebook page, he has been in a relationship with personal trainer Aimee Bloomfield since August
Ms Bloomfield’s (pictured) own social media accounts suggest she is in a relationship with Wakeman
‘The RLWC has been made aware of an incident involving the Italian team in Cairns on Sunday night,’ they said in a statement, the Sydney Morning Herald reported.
‘The matter has been referred to the NRL Integrity Unit. It would be inappropriate to make any further comment until we receive a final report.’
NRL Media tweeted soon after: ‘It is being investigated by the RLWC integrity unit. Not the NRL Integrity Unit.’
Tedesco runs the ball during the 2017 Rugby League World Cup match between Ireland and Italy – the same day of the alleged incident