WIGAN STANDING BY PALEAAESINA
By Ian Laybourn, PA Sport Rugby League Correspondent
Wigan on Wednesday said they are standing by prop Iafeta Paleaaesina, who is to go on trial in April accused breaking a man's jaw with a punch.
The Samoa-born former New Zealand international appeared in court on Monday where he denied inflicting grievous bodily harm on bus driver James Campbell at Wigan North Western railway station in October last year.
He is due to go on trial at Liverpool Crown Court on April 28.
Paleaaesina, who turns 26 on Sunday, was today included in Wigan's squad for their opening match of the season against Harlequins.
"The club was with him at the pre-trial hearing on Monday," said chairman Ian Lenagan. "He has pleaded not guilty and we're standing by him completely.
"In December it was extremely hard work for him but he's getting a lot of support from his fellow Samoans in particular. There are four of them in the team.
"I think his mind is now much better focused than it was two months ago but obviously there is a bit of a shadow there.
"But we take that into account and we support him as much as we possibly can."
Will they stand by him if found guilty?