League: Ex-Kiwi on mental health watch after arrest

Former Kiwis centre Paul Whatuira. Photo / Getty Images

Former Kiwis international and two-time National Rugby League premiership winner Paul Whatuira is in hospital in England pending a psychiatric assessment, after being held in connection with two assaults in Huddersfield.

English news media reported the 28-year-old was arrested early Tuesday morning (UK time) after allegedly being involved in a "bizarre sequence of events" which allegedly left two men with serious facial injuries.

Whatuira is contracted to the Huddersfield Giants in the English Super League.

The Huddersfield Daily Examiner reported the 16-test centre was restrained by police and taken into custody before being taken to a local hospital.

"Paul and his family have the full medical support of the club available to them at this difficult time," said Huddersfield Giants managing director Richard Thewlis.

"I would ask that everyone respects the importance in this instance of confidentiality and understands that the club is upholding its duty of care to provide the best possible environment to help Paul."

Whatuira, originally from Wainiuiomata, played for the Warriors, Melbourne Storm, Penrith Panthers and Wests Tigers in the Australian NRL.

He won premierships with Penrith in 2003 and the West Tigers two seasons later. He was also a member of the Kiwis triumphant Tri-Nations winning squad in 2005.

Whatuira joined Huddersfield in 2008 and has been a success since moving north, claiming a host of club awards as top try scorer, most metres gained and the coaches player of the year last season.

He played the last of his tests in 2007.

- NZPA