The Crown says an Auckland rugby star was a key player in a bloody assault "very much about attack and retaliation, not about defence".
Blues player George Moala, 24, and his brother Siua, are on trial at Auckland District Court facing two charges of assault with intent to injure, and one of common assault after an incident on Karangahape Rd early on December 30, 2012.
The alleged incident happened at the Desi Lounge - a small upstairs bar - in the early hours of the morning where the brothers were drinking with a large group of family and friends.
Two Samoan men entered the bar, which the Crown said caused friction with the group of Tongans, including the Moalas.
The ensuing brawl saw one of the men - Clifford Matoka - suffer a nicked artery in his neck and was hospitalised after suffering significant blood loss.
Crown prosecutor Josh Shaw said his wound was caused by a bottle and the attack continued as the injured man was led away by bouncers.
It is alleged George Moala punched him on the stairs as blood poured from Mr Matoka's neck.
He told police he did so to protect his girlfriend who he said had been hit.
Mr Shaw pre-empted the argument of self-defence and rejected it.
"This incident involved a sustained attack on a man who from very early on was entirely defenceless and quite badly injured and that overall dynamic tells us a lot about the intent of those who involved themselves in it," he said.
"This was very much about attack and retaliation, not about defence."
The rugby player's profile in the community gave him "home-field advantage" at the nightclub, according to Mr Shaw, who said he immediately had the support of the crowd.
The video from outside the club, which appeared to show George Moala and friends pursue the other complainant, Damian Leota, was pertinent to the Crown's case.
"CCTV footage outside, although no charge attaching to it, does tell us an awful lot about what went on inside because it's a natural continuation of an ongoing attack," Mr Shaw said.
"George Moala continued to pursue an assault of a single lone man."
During the trial, the court heard police interviews with both defendants but the Crown believed little weight could be placed on them.
Mr Shaw said both minimised their role in what he called a "group attack".
Defence counsel will give their closings this afternoon and Judge Rob Ronayne will sum up tomorrow before the jury deliberate.
By Rob Kidd of NZME. News Service
