Leilua arrested, stood down

The NRL has been plunged into more off-field controversy after Sydney Roosters centre BJ Leilua was arrested at the weekend.

The 20-year-old was reported to have assaulted his  ex-girlfriend during an incident at a Sydney hotel on Saturday.

Inital reports say Leilua, who was on stand-by for NSW during Wednesday night’s Game I Origin match, has been charged with three offences.

The Roosters released a statment revealing that Leilua had been stood down from tonight’s match with Canterbury.

“Following an incident at a Sydney hotel over the weekend that has resulted in his arrest, Sydney Roosters player Joseph Leilua will not be playing in tonight’s game against the Canterbury Bulldogs,” the club said in a statement.

“The matter will go to court next month and with respect for the judicial system, the club will be making no further comment at this time.”