Sport

Leigh Leopards star Tesi Niu accused of abuse by partner

It includes alleged photographic evidence.

Danny Jones Danny Jones - 5th January 2026

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.

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.

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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.

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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.

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tesi niu domestic abuse
tesi niu partner

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)

Sport

Salford RLFC finally confirm new head and assistant coaches

Danny Jones Danny Jones New Salford rugby league team head coach Mike Grady

Salford RLFC have finally announced their new head and assistant coach picks as the new rugby league season fast approaches.

The Salfordian phoenix club had already confirmed they’d reached provisional pre-contract agreements with a new boss and several players following the news of the consortium bid that kept the sporting institution alive, but now they officially have a new leadership team to get behind.

Following Salford Red Devils’ resurrection by the aforementioned investment group – though it still remains unclear whether this will eventually include a full rebranding – familiar face Mike Grady and his assistant Dave Hewitt are now in place.

They replace ex-boss Paul Rowley, now at St Helens, and his assistant, Kurt Haggerty, who both left in October and September of last year, respectively.

Sharing the news in an official statement on their new Instagram account amid a major overhaul of their online presence, the local side wrote: “We are proud to announce Mike as the new Head Coach of Salford RLFC, joined by Dave Hewitt as Assistant Coach.

“Mike brings over 12 years of coaching experience across club and international rugby, most recently leading the Salford Women’s team and previously coaching at Widnes.

“His appointment marks another big step forward in our rebuild, combining experience, passion and a deep understanding of what Salford rugby league stands for: hard work, resilience and exciting rugby.

“Joining him, Dave Hewitt, former St Helens and England Academy player, will focus on developing our attacking play and nurturing new talent.”

Hewitt also played for Oldham RLFC across three spells, as well as Rochdale Hornets.

The duo’s arrival comes after former Red Devil Ryan Brierley was also named as the new CEO of the fresh organisation, headed up by fellow ex-player, Mason Caton-Brown.

Grady himself has already taken to social media to express his excitement over the project.

As for the board, they sign off by adding: “Together, Mike and Dave represent the energy and belief driving this new era for Salford RLFC.”

With several ‘key announcements’ soon to be made, we can expect a better idea of what the new and hopefully improved Salford will look like in time for their opener against the Roughyeds in the Championship on Friday, 16 January.

It is worth noting that the club have yet to reveal any actual squad signings.

As for co-owner Caton-Brown, who knows all about the club and the community from his several years playing in the area, we have the pleasure of chatting with him first-hand about the vision for their future.

Interview | New Salford rugby league co-owner Mason Caton-Brown on the future of phoenix club

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Featured Images — Salford Red Devils (screenshot via YouTube)/@roughyedsfan (via Flickr)

Sport

Manchester City recall young defender following another injury crisis

Danny Jones Danny Jones Young Watford loan defender Max Alleyne recalled by Man City

Manchester City are reportedly recalling young centre back, Max Alleyne, following another injury to their first-team.

Alleyne returning to his parent club comes after fellow defender Joško Gvardiol had to be substituted in the game against Chelsea this past weekend.

Despite midfield cog Rodri finally being restored to the starting XI after a long period on the sidelines, it now appears like both Gvardiol and Ruben Dias could be out for some time.

As a result, Pep Guardiola and co. have decided to cut the 20-year-old’s loan spell at Championship outfit Watford FC short to bolster their ranks along the backline.

The Italian journalist gave the reports the ‘Here We Go!’ seal of approval on Monday, 5 January, following confirmation of Gvardiol‘s ankle problem.

“Man City act fast as Josko Gvardiol will now be out for several weeks with injury”, he writes, “and so Max Alleyne returns.”

Himself a bit of a utility player, having also been deployed in defensive midfield on occasion, the Bristol-born youth academy product could prove a useful option in various positions across the pitch.

While Guardiola admitted that the versatile Croatian star’s issue “doesn’t look good” – this being the same ankle he had surgery on back in November 2025 – it remains to be seen how serious his Portuguese teammate’s muscle concern is.

Romano continues: “Alleyne has been doing great at Watford on loan… City informed the London club this morning, even if they’re very happy [with] how they managed Max over recent months. Club-to-club good relationship, City wanted Alleyne in their squad ASAP, and Watford let Max leave today.”

The England prospect has represented his country in every age group from the under-17s to Lee Carsley’s U21 side, and has certainly impressed on the national stage.

It remains unclear whether Alleyne will be the only defensive reinforcement called in this January, as Jahmai Simpson-Pusey is also being recalled but already looks set for his next loan deal.

Despite the winter window having only been open for a few days, there has already been plenty of movement in and around Greater Manchester.

For instance, while City are recalling both defenders immediately, CFG are also sending forward Claudio Echeverri straight back out on another loan, and multiple suitors are said to be monitoring Oscar Bobb.

In terms of key transfer movements, however, there’s none bigger than the news of a Bournemouth attacking winging his way to the Etihad Stadium.

Manchester City reach ‘agreement in principle’ to sign winger Antoine Semenyo
Semenyo is due to become City‘s latest signing very soon.

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Featured Images — Watford FC (screenshot via YouTube)/Like tears in rain (via WikiCommons)

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