- Brandon Wakeham charged with significant drug supply on Wednesday
- Police allege NRL star supplied MDMA and possessed cocaine
- Ex-Wests Tiger signed by Sea Eagles as substitute half option
NRL star Brandon Wakeham stunned his teammates from the Blacktown Workers Sea Eagles NSW Cup team when he was arrested for allegedly supplying large quantities of drugs.
Wakeham, 25, was arrested on Wednesday while training at Brookvale Oval on Sydney’s northern beaches as part of a major police investigation.
The serious charges facing the Fiji international include: involvement in the supply of prohibited drugs in quantities exceeding large commercial quantities, involvement in the supply of prohibited drugs and participation in a criminal group.
Those charges carry a maximum penalty of life in prison.
Police subsequently searched Wakeham’s flat in Bexley, where officers allege they located a unique encrypted criminal communications device, as well as other items relevant to their ongoing investigation.
Wakeham was then taken to Manly police station where he was charged.
He was refused bail and is expected to appear at Manly Local Court on Thursday.
NRL star Brandon Wakeham left his Blacktown Workers Sea Eagles teammates stunned after the halfback was charged with allegedly supplying large quantities of drugs (pictured playing for the Tigers in 2023).
Wakeham, 25 (pictured right) was arrested at Brookvale Oval on Sydney’s northern beaches as part of a major police investigation.
Police found and seized more than $50,000 in cash at an address
Pictured: A gun found during police raids at three different Sydney properties
The Sea Eagles told Daily Mail Australia on Thursday that Wakeham was contracted with Blacktown Workers rather than the NRL club, but a representative notified the NRL Integrity Unit of the halfback’s arrest.
“The Manly Warringah Sea Eagles have been informed of an incident involving Brandon Wakeham, a player contracted by Blacktown Workers, who has been arrested and charged with drug-related matters,” a statement from the club read.
“The club understands that he is due to appear before Manly Court today and confirms that it has notified the NRL Integrity Unit that it will cooperate fully in all aspects of the matter.”
Earlier this week, Wakeham was named halfback and captain of the Blacktown Workers Sea Eagles, who face the Bulldogs this weekend at North Sydney Oval in NSW Cup action.
His replacement has not yet been named.
The Australian Federal Police and drug and firearms police also charged two other men under Operation Strike Force Verbena.
Wakeham has made 40 NRL appearances since his first grade debut with the Bulldogs in 2019.
The latest scandal is a shocking moment for the code, with the women’s State of Origin match set to begin on Thursday night, while the Magic Round in Brisbane begins on Friday in the men’s competition.
Wakeham’s ordeal follows another drama involving a football player, with Cronulla’s Braydon Trindall recently accused of failing a roadside alcohol and illicit drug test.
Meanwhile, the Australian Federal Police and Drugs and Firearms Police also charged two other men in addition to Wakeham under Operation Strike Force Verbena.
Anyone with information that could assist investigators is asked to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
