The wife of NRL star Josh Papalii has been convicted of assault and handed a good behaviour order for 15 months following her involvement in a wild brawl at a suburban women’s rugby league game last year.
Mesepa Selesa was charged with two counts of common assault following the incident in July of 2024 at a footy match featuring the West Belconnen Warriors and the Bungendore Kangaroos.
In CCTV footage previously shown in the ACT Magistrates Court, Selesa can be seen taking to the field and becoming involved in an altercation with a player, 17, who she pushed, punched and forcefully dragged by the hair in front of numerous shocked onlookers.
The pair were separated by other spectators before another woman lunged at Selesa, who responded by grabbing her, pulling a jersey over her head, striking her and pulling her towards the ground.
The women were then separated by footy fans at the ground.
Selesa – soon to be a mother of four – was banned from attending grassroots footy for a decade from the Canberra Region Rugby League last year following the incident – with her court date to follow.
The wife (pictured) of NRL star Josh Papalii has been convicted of assault and handed a good behaviour order following her involvement in a wild brawl at a suburban women’s rugby league game last year in Canberra
Anthony Williamson, Selesa’s defence barrister, asked the court recently to dismiss the charges due to his client’s mental impairment at the time, which he said was caused by the recent autism diagnosis of her son.
In court on Wednesday, Magistrate Alexandra Burt said she accepted Selesa was suffering from a degree of mental impairment at the time of the incident – but wouldn’t dismiss the charges.
‘In my view, it is at about the mid-point,’ Magistrate Burt said.
The court was also read impact statements from the older victim as well as her mother.
The victim described the ‘serious and ongoing impact’ of the incident, including an inability to carry out routine daily activities for weeks afterwards.
She also stated she had been a passionate rugby league player – but that has changed following the attack.
The victim’s mother wrote about the after-effects for her grandson, who witnessed the violent assault.
‘My five-year-old grandson was heartbroken,’ the statement read. ‘My grandson didn’t understand why his mum was beaten up.’
Mesepa Selesa (pictured right) was charged with two counts of common assault following the incident in July of 2024 at a women’s footy match featuring the West Belconnen Warriors and the Bungendore Kangaroos
Josh Papalii’s wife was banned from attending grassroots rugby league in Canberra for 10 years following the incident
During sentencing, Magistrate Burt acknowledged Selesa had entered early guilty pleas, but still opted to impose a lengthy good behaviour order, the ABC reported.
‘I accept she has taken responsibility, and I should give her the benefit of an early plea,’ she said.
‘I accept she is genuinely and deeply remorseful.’
Magistrate Burt made it clear to the court that she would not treat Selesa ‘any differently because of the apparent profile of her husband.’
The court also heard Canberra Raiders NRL coach Ricky Stuart provided Selesa a character reference, attesting to ‘unwavering support’ of her husband and children.
After ruling a prison term of imprisonment was excessive, Magistrate Burt imposed a good behaviour order of 15 months – with six months of supervision by Corrective Services.
The term of supervision was deferred until November this year due to Selesa being 38 weeks pregnant with her fourth child.