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The Manc - 10th March 2020

News

Leigh Leopards star Tesi Niu accused of abuse by partner

Danny Jones Tesi Niu domestic abuse allegations

Leigh Leopards star Tesi Niu has been accused of physical and mental abuse by a person purporting to be his partner.

The allegations were made on Niu’s own Instagram, who has seemingly commandeered the account to share claims across social media along with various photos, which are yet to be fully substantiated.

An Australian-born former NRL athlete and Tongan international, Tesi Niu, has gone on to become an important first-team squad member for the Greater Manchester rugby club and has been a popular personality among the supporters.

With that in mind, the alleged abuse is one that has deeply troubled the fan base.

Accusations of alleged physical abuse have been made against Leigh Leopards centre Tesi Niu by his partner.

An RFL spokesperson has said in a statement: "The RFL are aware of the social media posts. We will not be making further comment at this time."https://t.co/t1Ieb7KblX pic.twitter.com/PUdXw4wld0
— John Davidson (@johnnyddavidson) January 4, 2026

As you can see in the screenshots originally posted on Niu’s own channel and since reshared online, the individual who names herself as Kiani alleges that the 24-year-old rugby league player assaulted her on Christmas Day 2025 before going out and getting drunk.

In addition to sharing pictures of various bruises around her neck, shoulders and arms, the woman also writes that he took her phone and money to prevent her from leaving, as well as detailing that she is now pregnant with their third child.

Kiana Smith has been his partner for more than half a decade.

Circulating online over the weekend (4-5 January 2026), a full investigation into the claims is now thought to be underway.

Neither Tesi Niu’s representation nor Leigh Leopards have yet come out to comment on the allegations, but the Rugby Football League (RFL) have shared an official update regarding the situation.

You can see the rest of the IG stories down below.

As per a statement supplied to News.com.au, the English governing body said: “The RFL are aware of the social media posts. We will not be making further comment at this time.”

Anyone looking to report abusive behaviour can call the Greater Domestic Abuse Helpline, Monday to Friday from 10am-4pm, on 0800 254 0909.

Email alternatives include [email protected], [email protected], and for LGBTQIA+ cases, you can contact [email protected].

As always, if you are in immediate danger, please call 999 ASAP.

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Featured Images — Fleets/Sampajanna (via Wikimedia Commons)

News

Family pay tribute to ‘special boy’ who died after being hit by car while crossing road in Burnage

Emily Sergeant

The family of a teenage boy who died after being hit by a car while crossing a road in Burnage have paid a touching tribute to him.

At around 6:40pm this past Friday (2 January), Greater Manchester Police (GMP) was called out to reports of a collision in the Burnage area of Manchester, where the driver of a Seat Ibiza was travelling down Kingsway and collided with a pedestrian who was walking across the road.

The pedestrian – a boy aged 16, who has since been named as Alfie Moran – suffered serious injuries and was rushed hospital.

However, despite the best efforts of all emergency services involved, Alfie sadly passed away.

In a heartbreaking tribute to her son, Alfie’s mum said: “My Alfie was always our special boy with the biggest heart. Everyone who knew him would always tell me that I had the best boy, he knew how very proud I was of him.

#TRIBUTE | Family of a 'special boy who had the biggest heart' pay tribute to him following a fatal road traffic collision on Kingsway in Burnage on Friday 2 January.

Alfie Moran (16) suffered fatal injuries after a driver collided with him.

More➡️ https://t.co/KurLcO1Luv pic.twitter.com/EwIsvfq956
— Fallowfield, Withington, Levenshulme Police (GMP) (@GMPFallowfield) January 4, 2026

“He was the best friend to everyone, losing him has left our family broken. We had so much planned this year, he loved gaming and motorbikes and had already started saving up to buy his first bike.

“I will forever be lost without him.”

Officers from our Serious Collision Investigation Unit (SCIU) are appealing for information and witnesses following a fatal road traffic collision in Manchester.

As a result of the collision, an 18-year-old man was arrested and has since been released on bail whilst enquiries are ongoing, and now officers from GMP’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit (SCIU) are appealing for information and witnesses to help with their investigation.

Anyone who witnessed the incident, or who has dashcam, CCTV, or doorbell footage, is asked to contact police on 0161 856 4741 quoting log 2622 of 02/01/2026.

Information can also be shared using the ‘report’ tool or LiveChat function on GMP’s website, or you can contact Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

Featured Image – GMP