Racial abuse directed at a Samoan rugby league player and his team mates, which led to a brawl in an Australian regional town, has put the spotlight on the code’s oldest governing body and how it addresses racism.

Twenty-two-year-old Tyson Leota – whose father is from Magiagi and currently plays for the West Wallsend R.L.F.C. in the Newcastle rugby league competition under New South Wales Rugby League [N.S.W.R.L.] – is currently in Newcastle police custody over his involvement in a September 19 clash with supporters of rival team Dora Creek R.L.F.C.