Another Samoa star could miss England clash due to police charge ahead of Rugby League World Cup

Yesterday Samoa’s World Cup prospects were dealt a massive blow.

Many were tipping them to beat England in the opening game at St James’ Park and finish top of the group leading to a favourable quarter-final draw making the road to the final one very open for a star-studded Samoa side.

However, when star player Jarome Luai included a racial slur in an Instagram post celebrating his club side’s NRL Grand Final against Parramatta on Sunday.

The integrity unit at the NRL are aware of the comments but an investigation is yet to begin into them.

So, his World Cup hopes are up in the air and the same can now be said of Samoa teammate Cowboys back-rower Luciano Leilua who was charged by police on Monday regarding a domestic violence incident in Sydney.

He has vowed to clear his name whilst his lawyer told media the forward was “upset” with the allegation that he assaulted his partner according to Zerotackle.

Meanwhile, he went on to tell the Sydney Morning Herald: “I can confirm that Mr Leilua denies any wrongdoing and will be defending these matters vehemently.

“Mr Leilua has never been charged with any matters of violence in the past and is upset by allegations that have been made against him, as he is opposed to violence of any type. It is not in his nature.”

Leilua chose not fly out to England for preparations for the tournament though it is believed he wouldn’t be able to with the legal matter still unresolved.

Now reports are suggesting that his role in the tournament as a whole is up in the air.

This means Samoa could be without him when they meet England in the opener.