A top Auckland rugby player has denied allegations he attacked two men in an inner-city bar, leaving one with blood pouring from his neck.
Blues player George Moala, 24, and his brother Siua, face two charges of assault with intent to injure, and one of common assault after an incident in Karangahape Rd early on December 30, 2012. They have denied the charges. Their trial at Auckland District Court began yesterday.
Crown prosecutor Josh Shaw said complainants Clifford Matoka and Damian Leota - of Samoan heritage - had been separated from a larger group earlier in the night and bumped into a group of eight or more Tongans, which included the Moala brothers.
Mr Leota told the court tensions rose when those in the bar realised he was Samoan.
"A guy approached me, swung and missed and from there it just got out of control." Mr Matoka suffered concussion and significant blood loss after an artery in his neck was nicked, Mr Shaw said.
