Footy star who stabbed a church leader in the back during a wild brawl breaks his silence from prison – and talks about his future in the NRL
- Manase Fainu plans to return to the NRL
- Was convicted of stabbing a man last December
- Fainu, 24, has always maintained his innocence
Fallen NRL star Manase Fainu will formally launch his bid for freedom on Wednesday after the ex-Sea Eagles hooker was jailed for stabbing a man.
Fainu, 24, was sentenced to four years and three months non-parole last December after a jury found him guilty of stabbing a church leader during a wild brawl outside a Mormon charity event in Sydney’s south west in October 2019.
The talented ex-footballer pleaded not guilty and maintains his innocence.
Leading Sydney lawyer Paul McGirr and barrister Michael Smith are expected to file Fainu’s appeal with the Court of Criminal Appeal on Wednesday. News Corp reported.
A successful acquittal would see Fainu immediately released from prison – and free to potentially resume his career once the NRL withdraws him from its no-fault stand-down policy.
Fallen NRL star Manase Fainu will officially launch his bid for freedom on Wednesday after ex-Sea Eagles hooker was jailed for stabbing a man
A successful acquittal would see Fainu immediately released from behind bars – and could potentially resume his career once the NRL withdraws him from its no-fault stand-down policy
The 24-year-old pleaded not guilty and has always maintained his innocence (pictured playing against the Raiders in 2019)
“I’m innocent,” Fainu said.
“I want to clear my name and return home to support my family and get back on the football field. I want this matter resolved.”
The appeal is likely to be heard in August.
Fainu, who is currently serving his time at Bathurst, made his NRL debut in 2018 and quickly became one of the code’s brightest young stars.
His performance was so impressive when Manly released star whore Api Koroisau to Penrith, with Fainu touted as the club’s long-term number 9.
Three of his siblings also play in the NRL – Latu and Samuela are on the Sea Eagles’ books and Sione plays for the Wests Tigers.