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Manase Fainu’s hopes of playing rugby league while on weekend release from prison have been officially blocked – partly because of the safety risk he would have posed while playing with an ankle bracelet.
This masthead can reveal Fainu, the former Manly hooker, hoped to register to play for Alexandria Rovers in the South Sydney A-grade competition before the June 30 deadline.
Manase Fainu in action for the Manly Sea Eagles in 2019.Jason McCawley
Fainu is eligible for parole in October after being jailed at the end of 2022 for the stabbing of a Mormon youth leader at a church dance three years earlier. The 28-year-old has not played in the NRL since he made a semi-final appearance for the Sea Eagles in 2019. He is already out of jail on weekends.
But NSW Rugby League officials were quick to deny the request, citing several reasons including the risk that the electronic ankle bracelet Fainu is required to wear could injure a rival player.
“Manase is still serving a jail term, which is absolutely incompatible with participating in any of our competitions,” NSWRL chief executive Dave Trodden said.
“It’s something we would never contemplate. Even when he’s released from jail, there’s still a period of parole he will have to serve.
Manase Fainu leaves court in 2019 after being found guilty of wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.Edwina Pickles
“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.”
Alexandria Rovers were contacted for comment. The club informed South Sydney competition officials of their plans to sign the hooker, sources not authorised to comment publicly said.
Manase Fainu (second from right) with his brothers Latu, Sione and Samuela in 2021.Nick Moir
It emerged last month the Wests Tigers were weighing up whether to throw Fainu an NRL lifeline. Fainu’s three brothers, Latu, Samuela and Sione, are all members of the Tigers’ NRL squad.
Speaking on The Reset podcast, Manase Fainu’s long-time mentor, Mario Tartak, said the former NSW under-19s hooker was “itching” to return.
“I’m confident that everyone deserves a second chance. I’m hopeful we can get him back. That’s my dream,” Tartak said.
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The Tigers are keen to extend the contract of star forward Samuela Fainu, who becomes a free agent on November 1. Samuela has been linked to a possible move to the PNG Chiefs. The four brothers have previously spoken about wanting to play together.
Any deal for Manase would require the approval of the Tigers board and the NRL, which would only be prepared to register him if he is considered a fit and proper person.
Sea Eagles star Haumole Olakau’atu used to keep Fainu company when the pair drove from Sydney’s western suburbs to the northern beaches for training, and soon landed a contract after club officials spotted him waiting in the car park.
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