Manchester: The NRL Integrity Unit has written to Rugby League World Cup officials asking for an official report into the Manchester fight involving Sydney Roosters star Victor Radley.
The problem the NRL now faces is that all parties appear to be trying to wipe their hands of it.
World Cup organisers say the event occurred more than 24 hours after England were eliminated from the tournament, and the English players who remained at the team hotel in Worsley were being paid for by the English Rugby League.
In other words, it’s not their problem. The Herald approached Rugby Football League chief executive Ralph Rimmer, who is in charge of the English side, at Wednesday morning’s Golden Boot awards in Manchester.
Rimmer, who recently had to deny being racist when he joked that Fijian players were likely to get arrested, ran a mile. He declined to comment and left the venue after conveniently taking a phone call.
To be fair to England coach Shaun Wane, he wants to clear the air but told the Herald he could not comment while an investigation was ongoing. More than 24 hours have passed since the story broke, yet no one seems to know exactly what transpired.
Victor Radley was distraught after England’s semi-final loss.Credit:PA Images
Following the Herald’s revelations of the Radley fight on Tuesday morning, NRL chief executive Andrew Abdo and Integrity Unit boss Jason King emailed the World Cup for a detailed breakdown of the events that transpired near the England team hotel in the town of Worsley just 20 minutes west of the city.
The story the NRL has been told is that Radley headbutted a drunk James Bentley, who was abusing members of the English set-up including Wane.
The RFL are now privately telling people that Radley didn’t headbutt Bentley and instead acted in self-defence, punching him after he was headbutted by the Irish international. Those close to Radley, who is now holidaying somewhere, say there’s nothing to see here.
The Herald went into the pub where the incident allegedly occurred. Management knew nothing about it. CCTV footage could provide answers, but the old English pub didn’t appear to have any cameras.
James Bentley playing for Ireland during the World Cup.Credit:Getty
International Rugby League boss Troy Grant was willing to answer questions on the matter but admitted it was no longer an issue for the World Cup.
“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.
“There’s no disciplinary action available to us in this circumstance, nor are we looking to proceed with any investigation.”
International Rugby League boss Troy Grant
The England Rugby League will make a determination as well and the Irish Rugby League will have to make a determination to their player.
“There’s no disciplinary action available to us in this circumstance, nor are we looking to proceed with any investigation. The matter is in the hands of the other authorities. The NRL have been in contact. The NRL have been provided with what facts are known. They’ve been in contact, as I understand, with the English Rugby League.”
Manu was at the Golden Boot function, receiving the award as the best international player of the year. He defended Radley.
“Victor is a good guy so I don’t think he would start something that he doesn’t need to,” Manu said.
“He is a passionate guy. So if something is not being done right or crossing the line, he is going to stand up for his mate or someone he really likes.”
The poor old Irish Rugby League knew nothing about it. CEO Jim Reynolds hadn’t spoken to Bentley, nor had he been informed about the details when contacted on Wednesday morning (AEDT).
The NRL is realising that things happen a little differently on the other side of the globe. The story they get may be the most convenient version of the truth.
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