Wests Tigers to keep Robert Lui in exile until court hearing over assault charge
By David Riccio
From The Sunday Telegraph
November 07, 2010 12:42PM
Wests Tigers halfback Robert Lui remains in limbo, with the promising rookie banned from returning to pre-season training with the club on Monday.
Robert Lui has been charged with nine offences against his pregnant partner, Taleah Backo, which include two counts of assault occasioning actual bodily harm, three of common assault, one of malicious damage, one of choking with intent to commit an indictable offence, one of detaining for advantage and one of aggravated robbery.
The 20-year-old, who has vowed to vigorously defend the charges, will face court on November 15.
But Lui will be forced to train in exile despite steering the club to this year's grand final qualifier alongside Benji Marshall.
"Robbie won't be back at training on Monday," Wests Tigers chief executive Stephen Humphreys confirmed.
"We've stood Robbie down from official duties and all club-related duties so he can concentrate on his court appearance.
"I know Robbie has been looking after himself and training pretty hard on a personal level to keep himself fit, but he won't be part of our training next week."
The Queensland-born halfback has played 20 first-grade matches since making his debut in 2009.
But Humphreys suggested it would be premature to offer any guarantees in regards to Lui's long-term future.
"We'll review the situation after the court matter on the 15th," Humphreys said.
"That will be the first opportunity from when he was charged to understand in any kind of detail the evidence against him.
"I've spoken to Robbie and we're trying to support him as best we can, as well as his partner Taleah."
Talented utility Tim Moltzen, who is expected to vie with Lui for the No 7 jumper, will rejoin his Wests Tigers teammates tomorrow after missing almost the entire 2010 season.
