NRL 2020: Former Bronco Izaia Perese walks free after drug charges

Rising rugby league star Izaia Perese has pleaded guilty to supplying a dangerous drug as the court heard the devastating impact the case has had on the former Brisbane Bronco.

A rising NRL star caught supplying drugs has walked free from a Brisbane court this morning after avoiding conviction.

Former Brisbane Bronco Izaia Jay Ali Perese, 22, today pleaded guilty to supplying a dangerous drug at Albion Creek last September.

He also pleaded guilty to possessing $5600 obtained from the supply of drugs and possessing the pain killer Tramadol when police searched his Albion Creek home in February.

Former Brisbane Broncos rising star Izaia Perese walks to the Brisbane District Court on. Picture: Steve Pohlner

Brisbane’s District Court heard Perese agreed to obtain significant amounts of cocaine and MDMA from a person who was the target of a police drug sting.

Perese initially messaged the person, the boyfriend of a relative, to obtain cocaine for a friend.

The person suggested over the messaging service WhatsApp to also supply Perese with MDMA along with the coke.

Justice John Allen said subsequent conversations indicated Perese had supplied at least one of those drugs.

“The man said he could supply Perese with 3.5 grams of cocaine for $1000 and two grams of MDMA for $500”.

Perese also agreed to receive a $10,000 cash payment, of which $5600 was found by police, on behalf of the drug dealer.

Izaia Perese during a Brisbane Broncos training session. Picture: AAP Image/Dan Peled

While the Crown argued there was a commercial element to Perese’s drug activity, his defence team disputed this saying there was no evidence of any profit made by their client.

“(It was) simply a supply to a friend,” barrister Kim Bryson said.

The court heard the Brisbane Broncos had terminated their contract with Perese who switched codes last year after playing rugby union with the Queensland Reds.

He had also lost a sponsorship deal and his relationship with his wife had broken down.

Ms Bryson said a conviction would have a serious impact on Perese’s ability to further his sports career overseas.

Taking into account his very early plea of guilty and remorse Justice Allen sentenced him to an 18 month supervision order and 100 hours of community service. No conviction was recorded.