Footy star who was facing life in jail for allegedly dealing huge amounts of drugs gets amazing news from NRL team ahead of 2025 season
- Brandon Wakeham was arrested in May
- All drug charges were dropped in November
- Sea Eagles have been offered an NRL lifeline
Following his arrest outside Brookvale Oval on Sydney’s northern beaches in May, footy star Brandon Wakeham faced life behind bars for alleged drug supply.
The charges were serious: participation in the supply of a prohibited drug in more than a large commercial quantity, participation in the supply of a prohibited drug in more than an indictable quantity and less than a commercial quantity, and participation in a criminal group. .
But last month the Fijian international saw all charges dropped at a Sydney court, and now the Manly Sea Eagles have offered him a second chance at stardom.
The 25-year-old Wakeham has signed a train-and-trial contract – worth $1,200 per week – starting early next year, where he will try to prove over a four-week period that he belongs in the top 30 NRL squad Anthony Seibold, alongside players like Daly. Cherry Evans and Luke Brooks.
He last played at NRL level for the Tigers in 2023, and prior to that spell he played 15 first-year games for the Bulldogs.
Before his life was turned upside down, Wakeham was on the books of Sea Eagles feeder club Blacktown, where he played 10 NSW Cup matches.
After his arrest outside Brookvale Oval in Sydney in May, footy star Brandon Wakeham (pictured right) faced life behind bars for alleged drug supply
Charges against the former Tigers star (pictured) include participation in the supply of a prohibited drug in more than a large commercial quantity, and participation in a criminal group
Following last month’s developments, Wakeham’s lawyer Elias Tabchouri insisted his client had consistently denied any wrongdoing, and his innocence was confirmed by the dismissal of charges.
He was accused of participating in drug trafficking and involvement in a criminal group and faced an uncertain future. However, it was withdrawn by a Sydney court in November.
Wakeham was suspended in May under the NRL’s no-fault stand-down policy but can now focus on rebuilding his career and life.
“Throughout this trial, Brandon has maintained his innocence and we have fought for him with the same conviction,” Tabchouri told the newspaper. Sydney Morning Herald.
“This outcome, with the charges against him dropped and dismissed, is vindication for Brandon and the fact that he never did anything wrong.
Wakeham, 25, (right) was arrested at Brookvale Oval on Sydney’s Northern Beaches as part of a major police investigation
‘Brandon is very happy with the outcome and is now trying to rebuild his life after going through a very difficult time.’
Wakeham told the NRL last month that he believes he ‘has something to offer’, before recalling the dramatic day he was arrested.
“I was walking to my car and suddenly it felt like 50 police officers jumped out of a van next to my car… and from that moment on I was just in shock,” he said.
“I’m still a bit in shock, but it was a bit scary at the time.”