- Brandon Wakeham was arrested in May
- All drug charges were dropped in November
- Sea Eagles have offered an NRL lifeline
Following his arrest outside Brookvale Oval on Sydney’s northern beaches in May, footy star Brandon Wakeham was facing life behind bars for alleged drug supply.
The charges were serious – taking part in the supply of a prohibited drug in greater than a large commercial quantity, taking part in the supply of a prohibited drug in greater than an indictable amount and less than a commercial quantity, and participating in a criminal group.
But last month the Fijian international saw all charges dropped in a Sydney court – and now he has been offered a second chance at stardom by the Manly Sea Eagles.
Wakeham, 25, has signed a train-and-trial deal – worth $1200 a week – starting from early next year where he will look to prove across a four-week window he belongs in Anthony Seibold’s top 30 NRL squad alongside the likes of Daly Cherry-Evans and Luke Brooks.
He last played at NRL level for the Tigers in 2023, and previous to that stint chalked up 15 first grade appearances for the Bulldogs.
Prior to his life being turned upside down, Wakeham was on the books of the Sea Eagles’ feeder club Blacktown, where he played 10 NSW Cup games.
Following his arrest in May outside Brookvale Oval in Sydney, footy star Brandon Wakeham (pictured right) was facing life behind bars for alleged drug supply
Charges against the ex-Tigers star (pictured) included taking part in the supply of a prohibited drug in greater than a large commercial quantity, and participating in a criminal group
Following last month’s development, Wakeham’s lawyer Elias Tabchouri emphasised his client had consistently denied any wrongdoing, and his innocence was validated by the charges’ dismissal.
He was charged with participating in drug supply and involvement in a criminal group and faced with an uncertain future – only to see all charges withdrawn in a Sydney court in November.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 process, Brandon has maintained his innocence and we fought for him with the same belief,’ Tabchouri told the Sydney Morning Herald.
‘This result, with the charges withdrawn and dismissed against him, is a vindication for Brandon and the fact that he never did anything wrong.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 now seek to rebuild his life, having endured a very difficult time.’
Wakeham declared last month his belief that 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 policemen jumped out of a van next to my car…..and I was just in shock from then on,’ he said.
‘I’m still in shock a bit, but it was a bit scary at the time.’
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