The NRL Integrity Unit have reportedly approached World Cup officials seeking an official report into the alleged altercation involving Victor Radley as new details emerge.
World Cup bosses have reportedly told the SMH the fight transpired more than a day after the hosts were bundled out of the tournament, handing responsibility to English rugby league executives.
Rugby Football League chief executive Ralph Rimmer reportedly declined to comment while coach Shaun Wane also said he couldn’t speak on an ongoing investigation.
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Initial reports suggested Radley headbutted Irish forward James Bentley, who was reportedly abusing Wane after being left out of England’s World Cup squad.
But now it has emerged Rugby Football League powerbrokers are informing people Radley instead acted in self-defence, punching Bentley who headbutted the Roosters enforcer.
According to the SMH, managers at the pub in Worsley, west of England’s team hotel, didn’t have any idea an altercation occurred and had no CCTV cameras.
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International Rugby League boss Troy Grant also said the issue was now English rugby league officials’ problem.
“The facts that I’m aware of is that an invitation was extended to the Irish player who came into the English camp and team environment,” Grant said.
“Something has occurred. All players will get a chance to state their case, tell their stories to the appropriate authorities they report to.
“The NRL in relation to Victor will make a determination.
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“There’s no disciplinary action available to us in this circumstance, nor are we looking to proceed with any investigation.”
Any sanctions handed down to Radley and Bentley will reportedly have to come from their respective World Cup nations and confusion remains surrounding the events.
Meanwhile, Radley’s Roosters teammate Joey Manu defended the Tricolours lock after being awarded the Golden Boot award for the competition’s best player.
“I’ve just seen headlines and that (but) Victor is a good guy, I don’t think he would start something if he didn’t need to,” Manu said.
“He’s a passionate guy so if something is not being done right or somebody is crossing the line he’ll definitely stand up for a mate or somebody he really likes.”
The Samoa squad also checked into where England were staying – the Worsley Park Marriott – on Saturday after their semi-final victory.
Matt Parish’s team were reportedly kept awake by drunk England players knocking on their room doors then running away.
