Former NRL star signs with CDRL club, hopes for second chance

A former NRL flyer will take the first steps toward rugby league redemption after signing with his junior club for the 2021 Cairns and District Rugby League season.

Former NRL flyer Gideon Gela-Mosby will take the first steps toward rugby league redemption after signing with his junior club for the 2021 Cairns and District Rugby League season.

The former North Queensland Cowboys player was stood down from all duties by Queensland Rugby League club the Northern Pride in December after police alleged he coward punched a man who was left with a fractured skull in Cairns CBD.

Gela-Mosby faces two counts of assault occasioning bodily harm in a public place while adversely affected by an intoxicating substance.

He has not entered a plea, and is due to appear in Cairns Magistrates Court again next month.

Action from the Instrust Super Cup match between the Northern Pride and the Burleigh Bears, held at Barlow Park. Pride's Gideon Gela-Mosby played a pivotal role for his team. PICTURE: BRENDAN RADKE

Gela-Mosby was on Wednesday announced as the latest signing for Kangaroos, with the chance to link up with former Pride teammate and Roos coach Jared Allen too attractive for the 24-year-old to resist.

A drop back to the local competition could be the best option for the troubled speedster, who is trying to rebuild his life in an attempt to rejoin first-grade ranks.

“When Jared asked me to come back and play, I didn’t even think about it, I jumped at the chance,” Gela-Mosby said in a post on the Kangaroos Facebook page.

“2021 for me is about a fresh start, working hard, focusing on the important things and working my way back to the top grade.

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“I’ve played with Jared at the Pride and in All Blacks carnivals. Jared isn’t just a friend but a mentor. He has always looked out for me and helped me out. I can’t wait to play for my junior club again.”

Allen said he was excited to have a player like Gela-Mosby back at the club.

“Gideon has a lot of experience,” he said.

“It’s great for the club to get a former junior back and to give back to the younger players.

“The younger players really look up to Gideon and admire him.

Former NRL player Gideon Gela-Mosby has signed with his junior club, Kangaroos, for the 2021 Cairns and District Rugby League season.

“Coaching him is going to be easy. I’ve already played with him and I know he’s going to be a pleasure to coach. We can’t wait to see him out on the field.”

The Pride stood down Gela-Mosby immediately after he was charged, and will not make a decision on his future at the Intrust Super Cup until after his case is resolved by the courts.

It’s understood Gela-Mosby has not been officially released by the club, meaning he could work his way back into the fold.

The Darnley Island product signed with the Pride ahead of the 2020 season, after he was one of six Cowboys to miss out on a contract extension at the end of 2019, with a clear goal.

“This pre-season, I’m going to knuckle down and get back to where I want to be and hopefully get another spot somewhere else in the NRL,” he said at the time.

At only 24, Gela-Mosby has already had a rugby league career that many would envy, but he will be hoping it’s not over yet.

Originally published as Former NRL star signs with CDRL club, hopes for second chance