NRL investigator takes on Tedesco probe

Oct 31, 2017 - 4:33 PM Rugby League World Cup officials have hired chief NRL integrity unit investigator Karyn Murphy to lead the probe into the Italian team brawl that reportedly saw James Tedesco king hit by a teammate.

Tedesco revealed on Tuesday night he and Italy forward Shannon Wakeman had made up after the Sunday night incident between the duo, after what he claimed was a misunderstanding.

According to News Corp, Tedesco has even since pleaded with Italian officials not to sack the Huddersfield prop over the incident.

The pair will both face an Italian disciplinary panel on Wednesday, where any potential punishments will likely be handed out ahead of Sunday's clash with the USA.

However any penalty will likely have to satisfy Murphy and the tournament's integrity unit, who have asked for a report from team management.

"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."

Murphy, a former Jillaroos player and Queensland police detective, has worked with the NRL's integrity since June 2015.

The former Australian Police Female Investigator of the Year winner will act independently from the NRL, much in the same way the league's referees boss Tony Archer is leading the tournament's officials.

Given the tournament falls under the scope of the Rugby League International Federation, the NRL itself will then only intervene if it deems the matter serious enough and it involves a player contracted to one of the 16 NRL clubs.

Meanwhile Federation of Italian Rugby League (FIRL) president Orazio D'Arro said his organisation wouldn't take the issue lightly.

"FIRL understands the importance of ensuring that players are not to engage in conduct that is detrimental or damaging to rugby league or the Rugby League World Cup,"" D'Arro said.

"Both players involved understand their obligations to the Rugby League World Cup and the acceptable behaviour in public."

Source: AAP