Arrested in the Brookvale Oval car park nearly two years ago, Brandon Wakeham has revealed that being taken in by NSW Police was the “best thing to happen to him”.

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In May 2024, the Fijian international was taken into custody and found himself charged with the supply of a prohibited drug, greater than a large commercial quantity; taking part in the supply of a prohibited drug, greater than an indictable and less than commercial quantity; and participating in a criminal group.

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His house was also raided by police and he was stood down under the NRL’s no-fault policy, preventing him from training or playing with the Blacktown Workers Sea Eagles – Manly’s NSW Cup team at the time.

Maintaining his innocence throughout the entire court proceedings, all charges were ultimately dropped in November of that same year.

However, the ordeal proved to be a major turning point, prompting him to reassess his life before earning an NRL lifeline with the Sea Eagles.

Reflecting on the past, Wakeham admitted that it was “the best thing to happen” to him and is grateful that the events transpired due to it, leading him to become the person he is today.

Brandon Wakeham outside Manly Local Court.Source: News Corp Australia

“I leant on family and close friends. Being off wasn’t ideal and didn’t know if my career as a footballer could continue but now that it’s passed me I don’t really think about it,” Wakeham said.

“I’m on sort of a new journey now and all those things that have happened I don’t think of them. I’m a new person.

“While that was a bad thing to happen for me personally off the field it’s been the best thing to happen to me.

“I’m grateful for sort of a shi*** time that happened, but it’s led me to be the person I am.”

Since then, Wakeham has been focused on rebuilding his career and has made three first-grade appearances for the Sea Eagles during this year’s campaign, with his club debut coming in Round 2.

Impressing coaches and teammates with his on-field ability this season, he has seemingly locked down the No.9 jersey, having started in dummy-half over the past two weeks.

But there was a time when he didn’t think he would ever return to the NRL.

“Yeah, definitely. Probably the whole time,” the former Canterbury Bulldogs and Wests Tigers playmaker added.

“After it being so serious and being away from the game it was a bit scary and stuff but I had to find my faith in the Lord.

“That’s what I lent on a lot, family and friends and going to church and leaning on faith was massive for me.”

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Crediting his support network, Wakeham said leaning on family helped him navigate through the toughest period of his life, particularly his wife, Madelyn.

“So proud of this man,” she wrote after he made his club debut with the Sea Eagles, a couple of weeks back.

“Watching his determination to keep chasing his dream has been incredible.

“Any positive feels like the biggest blessing, slowing down and soaking in each day as it comes.

“Thanks for the support fam.”