An ex-Manly Sea Eagles hooker who was jailed for the stabbing of a Mormon youth leader has seen his attempt to return to rugby league blocked.
Manase Fainu saw his hopes of a return dashed, in part, due to the safety risks of the ankle tag he would have to wear as part of his parole.
The former Eagles player is eligible for parole in October after he was sent to prison for his crimes, and is already allowed out of jail on weekends.
According to reports, the 28-year-old had hoped to play for Alexandria Rovers in the South Sydney A-grade competition ahead of the deadline on June 30.
He has not played a competitive game of footy since his appearance in the 2019 semi-final for Manly.
However, his attempts to return to the sport were blocked by NSW Rugby League (NSWRL) officials who cited the dangers the electronic ankle tag would pose to players, among other issues.
Manase Fainu has had his attempt to return to rugby league action blocked by NSWRL officials
Fainu was jailed in 2019 for the stabbing of a Mormon youth leader
NSWRL officials stated the risks posed by playing with an ankle tag as part of the reason he could not play in the league
‘Manase is still serving a jail term, which is absolutely incompatible with participating in any of our competitions,’ NSWRL chief executive Dave Trodden told the Sydney Morning Herald.
‘It is something we would never contemplate. Even when he’s released from jail there’s still a period of parole he would have to serve.
‘My understanding is that while someone is on parole, the NRL would be reluctant to register a player under those circumstances, and we would be as well.
‘Certainly while you’re in jail and on day release, or weekend release, there’s no prospect of being registered to play rugby league.
‘The other issue is the ankle bracelet and the risk of injury it poses. We’ve had applications for players to play with ankle bracelets, and they’ve largely been people who are on bail, but the answer has always been ‘no’ because of the potential for an injury.’
Speaking on the Rest podcast, Fainu’s former mentor Mario Tartak revealed the former Sea Eagle was ‘itching’ to return to action.
‘I’m confident that everyone deserves a second chance. I’m hopeful we can get him back. That’s my dream,’ Tartak said.
Sione (left), Samuela (middle), Latu (right) all play for the Wests Tigers who were reportedly weighing up an offer to Manase
Last month reports surfaced that the Wests Tigers were weighing up potentially handing Fainu a lifeline in the NRL.
One thing that could add to his chances of returning to the NRL with the Tigers is the presence of his brothers Latu, Samuela and Sione, who are all signed with the club.
The Tigers have even been reported to have been interested in extending the contract of Samuela – the star forward is set to become a free agent on November 1.
Samuela has also been linked with a move to the NRL’s upcoming franchise, the PNG Chiefs.
The four have been on record stating their desire to all play together at some point, so there is some suggestions that signing Manase could keep Samuela at the club.
But any deal for Manase would require approval from the Tigers board as well as the NRL, which would only be prepared to register him if he is considered a fit and proper person.
