Andrew Fifita: NRL will investigate Cronulla prop over bizarre wristband campaign in support of one-punch killer Kieran Loveridge

ROGUE Cronulla prop ­Andrew Fifita is expected to come under fire from the NRL over a bizarre wristband campaign believed to be in support of notorious one-punch killer Kieran Loveridge.

Andrew Fifita displaying the F.K. L wristband in a match against the Storm.

• UPDATE: Fifita apologies to Kelly family over Loveridge support

IT is a symbol of support for one of the state’s most despised criminals — and now Cronulla prop ­Andrew Fifita’s on-field messages of encouragement for Kieran Loveridge, the one-punch killer he has received a police warning over, are set to come under NRL scrutiny.

The Daily Telegraph can reveal that on at least seven occasions this NRL season, the NSW Origin forward has worn wrist strapping emblazoned with the initials “F.K. L”, which is believed to stand for “For Kieran Loveridge’’ or “Free Kieran Loveridge’’.

The revelations come after police sources last night confirmed Fifita was issued a warning for consorting with criminals after he made numerous visits to Loveridge in Cessnock jail.

Police issued Fifita with a the warning on Wednesday after his name came up during investigations into the Lone Wolf bikie gang, with which Loveridge is alleged to have links. There is no suggestion Fifita has any other link to the gang.

Sharks chief executive Lyall Gorman said he was unaware of the claims last night and added that “I won’t comment until I know all the facts’’.

“F.K. L” can be seen scrawled on Fifita’s left wrist in games he played in rounds two, three, four, six, seven, nine and 10. The NRL integrity unit is expected to haul Fifita in for questioning next week.

When asked about the bizarre show of support for Loveridge, an NRL spokesman said: “If that is the case, it’s inappropriate to use any football clothing or accessories to promote an association with criminal activity.”

One-punch killer Kieran Loveridge is led away to prison.

Loveridge is serving a 10-year sentence for a coward punch that killed Thomas Kelly, 18, during a 2012 night out in Kings Cross.

Earlier yesterday, well before it emerged Fifita had been in regular contact with Loveridge, Cronulla coach Shane Flanagan said his NSW Origin forward had ­confided in him about his consorting notice.

“Andrew hasn’t been charged with anything, he’s been warned for associating with these people, and he knows it’s not the right thing to be doing,’’ Flanagan said.

“I spoke to him on Wednesday night, he grew up with these people and told me, ‘you didn’t grow up in the western suburbs’.

Cronulla Shark Andrew Fifita / Picture: Stephen Cooper

“A lot of his mates are in jail. That’s the way it is. He won’t desert them, but he understands he can’t contact them.’’

There were suggestions last night Fifita was a former coach of Loveridge at a Western Sydney rugby league club.

Fifita became the fourth NRL player to be issued a consorting notice this season after Parramatta playmaker Corey Norman, Canberra prop Junior Paulo and former Penrith hooker James ­Segeyaro were photographed dining with a convicted criminal.

NRL chief executive Todd Greenberg said yesterday that the police warning was “another opportunity to remind players and everyone involved in the game to make sure you choose your company wisely”.

Fifita’s manager Ben Johnson declined to comment on his client’s relationship with the convicted killer when contacted by The Daily Telegraph.

In 2015, Fifita was fined $30,000 and hit with the same six-game ban given to twin brother David over their verbal abuse of a junior league referee.

One-punch victim Thomas Kelly / Supplied

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