James Tedesco allegedly king-hit in brawl with Italian teammate

World Cup officials are investigating a wild brawl among Italian players that saw star fullback James Tedesco allegedly king-hit in Cairns.

The Azzuri were commiserating their heavy loss to Ireland at popular nightspot Pier Bar on Sunday night, when Tedesco was allegedly set upon by teammate Shannon Wakeman.

It's understood Wakeman thought Tedesco had propositioned his girlfriend - a claim the star Roosters recruit has denied to team management.

The Huddersfield prop allegedly punched Tedesco, sparking a melee with other Italian players in the bar.

The entire team were ejected and sent back to their hotel.

Officials immediately notified tournament organisers and an incident report has been filed.

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Wakeman spent Sunday night apart from his countrymen and serious consideration was given to sacking him.

But after speaking to team management he has survived and travelled with the side to Townsville for their upcoming poll match against USA. Tedesco was absent from a team event at Megnetic Island on Tuesday.

While the World Cup is being played in Australia, the tournament is governed by the Rugby League International Federation and separate to the NRL.

The NRL will wait for reports from the Italian team and tournament organisers on the matter, but will only become involved if it is a serious matter that involved a contracted NRL player.

"Under the protocols or the tournament the matter will be dealt with by the team management and the RLWC," an NRL spokesman said.

"If a matter is serious and involves NRL players the integrity unit will become involved."
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