Former Wests Tigers centre Tim Simona signs with Shute Shield rugby club Eastwood
Three years after he was banned from rugby league due to betting on matches, former Tigers centre Tim Simona is on the comeback trail.
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Former NRL star Tim Simona is on the comeback trail, three years after being chucked out of rugby league in disgrace.
Simona is about to sign a contract with Eastwood rugby union and will start in the Shute Shield in July, pending approval from the Sydney Rugby Union.
The 28-year-old former Wests Tigers star is a completely different man to the one who ripped off a charity and gambled on rugby league matches against NRL rules.
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He made a low-key return in lower-grade rugby league with Blacktown last year.
Simona was given an indefinite ban from the NRL in 2017 but has spent the past three years working with disadvantaged children and doing charity work.
There is talk that NRL commission chairman Peter V’landys would possibly be prepared to give him a second chance if he applies for NRL registration, like he has done with jockeys and trainers in horse racing over the years.
For now Simona is focused on doing his best for Eastwood.
Coach Ben Batger has been seriously impressed.
“He’s a good fella and he’s done his time,” Batger said. “He’s really focused on his footy.
“He’s a very good athlete and he’s a bit like a rookie at the moment learning more about rugby.
“He’s got all the potential to be a standout player. We’re delighted to have him here.”
BELLAMY’S PEACE OFFERING TO PAY
Melbourne Storm coach Craig Bellamy phoned his Bulldogs counterpart Dean Pay on Friday morning.
“Craig insisted he hadn’t spoken to Canterbury,” Pay said, “It was nice of him to ring.
“He’s a man’s man and he would have told me if it did happen.”
This isn’t to say the story was wrong. The Dogs have Bellamy on a short list of potential coaches.