Manase Fainu, an ex-Manly Sea Eagles hooker previously incarcerated for the stabbing of a Mormon youth leader, has had his aspirations of returning to rugby league thwarted. The New South Wales Rugby League (NSWRL) has blocked his attempt to play for the Alexandria Rovers in the South Sydney A-grade competition, citing significant safety concerns related to the electronic ankle tag he is required to wear as part of his parole conditions.
Fainu, 28, became eligible for parole in October and has been permitted weekend releases from prison. His bid to rejoin competitive play, which would have been his first game since the 2019 semi-final for Manly, was contingent on a June 30 deadline. However, NSWRL officials deemed the ankle tag an unacceptable risk to other players.
"Manase is still serving a jail term, which is absolutely incompatible with participating in any of our competitions," NSWRL chief executive Dave Trodden told the Sydney Morning Herald. "It is something we would never contemplate. Even when he's released from jail there's still a period of parole he would have to serve."
Trodden further explained that the NRL would likely be reluctant to register a player on parole, a stance the NSWRL would also adopt. "Certainly while you're in jail and on day release, or weekend release, there's no prospect of being registered to play rugby league," he stated. "The other issue is the ankle bracelet and the risk of injury it poses. We've had applications for players to play with ankle bracelets, and they've largely been people who are on bail, but the answer has always been 'no' because of the potential for an injury."
Despite these obstacles, Fainu's former mentor, Mario Tartak, expressed confidence in his potential return. "I'm confident that everyone deserves a second chance. I'm hopeful we can get him back. That's my dream," Tartak said on the Rest podcast.
Recent reports suggested the Wests Tigers were considering an offer for Fainu, potentially facilitated by the presence of his brothers Latu, Samuela, and Sione, who are all signed with the NRL club. The brothers have publicly expressed a desire to play together, and signing Manase could potentially influence Samuela's decision as he is set to become a free agent on November 1. Any potential deal for Fainu would require approval from the Tigers board and the NRL, which would only register him if deemed a fit and proper person.