- Brandon Wakeham was arrested in May
- All drug charges were dropped in November.
- Sea Eagles have offered a lifeline to NRL
Following his arrest in May outside Brookvale Oval on Sydney’s northern beaches, football star Brandon Wakeham faced life behind bars for alleged drug supply.
The charges were serious: engaging in the supply of a prohibited drug in a quantity greater than a large commercial quantity, engaging in the supply of a prohibited drug in a quantity greater than an indictable quantity and less than a commercial quantity, and engaging in a criminal group. .
But last month the Fiji international saw all charges dropped in a Sydney court, and now the Manly Sea Eagles have offered him a second chance at stardom.
Wakeham, 25, has signed a training and trial contract, worth $1200 a week, starting early next year, where he will look to prove over a four-week period that he belongs in Anthony Siebold’s top NRL team alongside to players like Daly. Cherry-Evans and Luke Brooks.
He last played at NRL level for the Tigers in 2023, and prior to that season he notched 15 first grade appearances for the Bulldogs.
Before his life was turned upside down, Wakeham was on the books of the Sea Eagles’ feeder club, Blacktown, where he played. 10 New South Wales Cup matches.
Following his arrest in May outside Brookvale Oval in Sydney, football star Brandon Wakeham (pictured right with a friend) faced life behind bars for alleged drug supply.
Charges against the former Tigers star (pictured) included being involved in the supply of a prohibited drug in quantities exceeding a large commercial quantity and participating in a criminal group.
Following the events of last month, Wakeham’s attorney, Elias Tabchouri, emphasized that his client had consistently denied any wrongdoing and that his innocence was validated with the dismissal of the charges.
He was accused of being involved in the supply of drugs and being involved in a criminal group and faced an uncertain future, only to see all charges dropped in a Sydney court in November.
Wakeham was suspended in May under the NRL’s no-fault suspension policy but can now focus on rebuilding his career and life.
“Throughout this process, Brandon has maintained his innocence and we fight for him with the same belief,” Tabchouri told the 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 result and is now looking to rebuild his life, after having gone through a very difficult time.”
Wakeham declared last month that he believes he has “something to offer” in the NRL before recalling the dramatic day he was arrested.
“I was walking to my car and all of a sudden it felt like 50 police officers jumped out of a van next to my car… and from that moment on I was in shock,” he said.
“I’m still a little in shock, but at the time it was a little scary.”