The NRL will likely leave rugby league World Cup officials to investigate an incident involving the Italian team in which James Tedesco was reportedly king hit by a teammate.
Both tournament organisers and the NRL confirmed on Tuesday they were aware of a matter involving the Italian team in Cairns on Sunday night following their shock 36-12 loss to Ireland.
According to reports from the Seven Network, Tedesco was punched by a teammate as part of a brawl that led to the entire team being kicked out of a Cairns nightspot.
“The RLWC has been made aware of an incident involving the the Italian team in Cairns on Sunday night,” a statement from the tournament organisers read.
“The matter has been referred to the integrity unit. It would be inappropriate to make any further comment until we receive a final report.”
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.
Along with Tedesco, there are nine players from NRL clubs in the Italian squad, but it is believed the player who landed the blow is from a European club side.
“Under the protocols or the tournament the matter will be dealt with by the team management and the RLWC,” an NRL spokesman told AAP.
“If a matter is serious and involves NRL players the integrity unit will become involved.
“We will await a report on the matter.”
Italy play the USA in their next group match in Townsville on Sunday.
Management from the team have been contacted for comment, but have not yet replied.
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