NRL Market Watch: Brandon Wakeham to face integrity unit in final hurdle to reviving his NRL career next year
Brandon Wakeham will front the NRL’s integrity unit this week in a one final hurdle to reviving his career in 2025, as Sydney clubs circle on the former Manly and Tigers playmaker.
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Brandon Wakeham will front the NRL integrity unit on Friday as the former Canterbury and Wests Tigers playmaker looks to revive his NRL career with a Sydney club next year.
Wakeham was charged with a number of drug supply offences in May, putting his immediate playing future in jeopardy.
Those charges were dropped during a hearing at the Downing Centre courts earlier this month.
The NRL had also moved to suspend Wakeham at the time under the game’s no-fault stand down policy.
But the court’s decision in November to drop all charges has paved the way for Wakeham to make a return to the NRL.
He’ll meet with integrity unit on Friday, when it’s expected his comeback will be given the green light.
Already a number clubs have shown interest in the playmaker with at least one Sydney club keen to add Wakeham to their halves stocks for next season.
It’s understood Wakeham had a three-year deal with an NRL club on the table before his arrest, which happened while he was signed to Manly feeder club Blacktown Workers.
The 25-year-old played 10 games in NSW Cup for Blacktown before he was arrested in the carpark at Brookvale Oval following a eight-month police investigation into the supply of illicit drugs.
That investigation led to Wakeham, who has played 40 NRL games for the Bulldogs and Tigers, being charged with two counts of participating in prohibited drug supply and participating in a criminal group.
His lawyer Elias Tabchouri told this masthead that the dropped charges had “vindicated” Wakeham of any wrong doing.
“The charges being withdrawn and dismissed against Brandon is a testimony to the fact that Brandon was always innocent of the charges that were levelled against him,” Tabchouri said last week.
“We have always believed in Brandon and have fought for him tirelessly … Brandon is vindicated. He is extremely happy and looking forward to rebuilding his life after a very difficult and trying time.”
It’s understood the NRL integrity unit will recommend an education program as part of Wakeham’s return to the game.
Originally published as NRL Market Watch: Brandon Wakeham to face integrity unit in final hurdle to reviving his NRL career next year
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