Kangaroos World Cup player Josh Papalii robbed at Manchester nightclub

AUSTRALIA'S Rugby League World Cup players have been warned to watch out for thieves during their stay in the north of England after Raiders enforcer Josh Papalii was robbed on the group's first night in Manchester.

Kangaroos management are investigating the incident, which occurred after some members of the team went to a nightclub on Tuesday night following their arrival from Sydney.

Local reports said Papalii, 21, was relieved of about 200 pounds in a sting carried out by two men after he had been to an ATM. The Canberra Raiders player spoke to police but was unable to shed much light on what had happened.

The thieves must have been brazen, with 110kg Papalii making a name for himself as one of the most fearsome and powerful forwards in the NRL. He impressed on debut in State of Origin for Queensland this season.

A spokesman said an Australian player had lost some money in suspicious circumstances and that the police had been informed, although it is unlikely the matter will be taken further due to "the practicalities of it all".

The Kangaroos will move their base on Tuesday to Cardiff to finalise preparations for their opening World Cup game against England at the Millennium Stadium on Saturday week.

NRL game development manager Andrew Hill said a warning had been issued by coach Tim Sheens and team management to the Australian squad.

"The players have been warned of a sting which targets partygoers in the Manchester area after a player lost a sum of money in suspicious circumstances," Hill said.

"The incident is being looked at further by team management and the police have been advised, although it is still being determined whether a formal complaint will be made."

Australia have opted not to play a warm-up match but Sheens and the rest of the coaching staff will watch England's friendly against Italy at Salford on Saturday.

http://www.news.com.au/sport/nrl/kan...-1226742065309