No charges for Huddersfield Giants star Paul Whatuira after street attacks

Nov 11 2009 By Andrew Hirst and Barry Gibson

His New Zealand team – the current world champions – were knocked out of the Rugby League Four Nations on Saturday at the Galpharm Stadium by an England side which starred his Giants teammate Eorl Crabtree.

England play Australia in the final on Saturday at Leeds United’s Elland Road ground.

Whatuira joined the Giants from Australian National Rugby League club Wests Tigers two years ago.

Mr Ayoub has described Whatuira as ‘a quiet and reserved person with a mild nature.’

He added: “He was keen for me to meet his fiancee who is expecting their first child. He was extremely excited about becoming a father.

“I have had many of his friends contact me to ask about him as this has come as a huge shock. Paul is definitely not a malicious person so obviously something is very, very wrong.”

After his arrest, Whatuira was taken from Huddersfield Police Station to the secure unit in Bradford for a full mental health assessment. Only very close family members visited him there.

It remains unclear what sparked the dramatic events which led to his arrest, but Whatuira missed two games in the summer after complaining of serious headaches.

He resumed playing when scans showed no obvious problems.