Mafi arrested after fight
Warriors coach Stephen Kearney praised halfback Shaun Johnson and backline utility Peta Hiku after they responded to criticism to produce strong performances in yesterday’s 26-6 NRL win over Brisbane.
The pair took the brunt of the blame for a limp attacking and weak defensive effort in last week’s loss to Penrith but turned things around in a dominant team display yesterday.
Kearney made a late change, swapping Hiku to the left wing, with Gerard Beale replacing him at right centre, and Johnson made good on his promise to get more involved on attack behind a strong showing from the Warriors forwards.
“Two guys that came in for a bit of heat last week, Shaun and Peta, they responded really well,” said Kearney. “I was really pleased for them. Pet’s done a pretty good job for the majority of the year and as much as we don’t like it, you're entitled to a bad day at the office sometimes. It’s just making sure it’s not all the time.” Melbourne Rebels rugby star Amanaki Mafi has been arrested in New Zealand.
Rugby Australia yesterday confirmed Mafi was in police custody and facing charges after an alleged assault on Rebels teammate and Wallabies player Lopeti Timani.
The Rebels missed out on the Super Rugby playoffs following their 43-37 loss to the Highlanders in Dunedin on Saturday, and it is alleged that Mafi, a Japanese international, was involved in a postmatch altercation with Timani.
Rugby Australia and the Rebels last night issued a joint statement
With Kiwi test wing Ken Maumalo hoping to return from a knee injury for Sunday’s clash against Melbourne at Mt Smart Stadium, Kearney may have to deal with a welcome selection confirming the incident.
A New Zealand Police spokesperson confirmed that a 28-year-old man has been charged with injuring with intent to injure following the alleged assault.
Rebels chief executive Baden Stephenson was dismayed with the news: “I am bitterly disappointed an incident has occurred at the end of a season where we have taken pride in our on and off-field behaviour.”
Mafi has played 21 tests for Japan and was named Australia’s Super Rugby Player of the Season last year.
It is understood he will appear in the Dunedin District Court today.
headache in the outside backs.
“I was always intending to play Gerard at right centre, it was just where Peta was going to fit into the equation,” he said.
“We’ll see how that pans out through the course of the week.”
Kearney was also pleased with the contribution of hooker Issac Luke and felt both he and Hiku’s below-par form against the Panthers was partly a result of the two Kiwis having to play several games in a short time frame, following the gruelling Denver test.
“I’ve been impressed with [Luke] all year,” he said.
“Those guys that had some rep duty were a bit flat last week. They got back from Denver and then played the Friday night against the Sharks with the momentum and energy that they had, but often it hits you a week later.”
Luke crossed for the Warriors’ third try just before halftime and was a constant handful out of dummy half, with Kearney acknowledging the club remains in talks to re-sign him beyond this season.
“That’s something we’re working through with him at the moment, so we’ll just see how it all pans out,” he said.