Brandon Wakeham, a former Canterbury and Wests Tigers playmaker, was detained after being stopped by police at training on Wednesday.Brandon Wakeham, a former Canterbury and Wests Tigers playmaker, was detained after being stopped by police at training on Wednesday.
Wakeham, who is presently committed to Manly’s feeder club Blacktown, is yet to face formal charges. He was arrested as part of a police investigation into alleged narcotics crimes.
Following a 15-game NRL tenure with the Tigers last year, Wakeham relocated to Blacktown in the expectation of being a backup for veteran Manly halves. Daly Cherry-Evans & Luke Brooks
The 25-year-old has made 10 appearances for Blacktown, where he was named to play alongside fellow half Jake Arthur for Sunday’s NSW Cup clash against Canterbury at North Sydney Oval.
The drama has come at an inopportune time for rugby league officials, who are spruiking the opening women’s State of Origin match on Thursday night and the commencement of the NRL’s Magic Round in Brisbane on Friday night.
Wakeham has made 40 NRL appearances since making his debut for the Bulldogs in 2019.
The incident is the latest controversy to rattle the NRL, following Cronulla playmaker Braydon Trindall’s arrest for failing an alcohol and illicit drugs roadside test. Trindall was set to appear in Sutherland Local Court on Friday, but his legal team has notified the Sharks that they would request an adjournment as they await the results of a second drug testing. The development could mean Trindall, who has been selected to an extended bench, is available for Saturday’s game against Cronulla.
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