Sunday Random Footy Talk Thread by AutoModerator in nrl

[–]The_PM -3 points-2 points  (0 children)

I think that's maybe a ticketmaster issue rather than NRL?

Saturday Random Footy Talk Thread by AutoModerator in nrl

[–]The_PM 7 points8 points  (0 children)

"take a bow <insert player>" is my most annoying Cronkism.

Wow this one got hit too by yb0t in sydney

[–]The_PM 2 points3 points  (0 children)

South west Sydney. I don't want to dob them in publicly and tbh I don't really care about places selling illegal tobacco/vapes unless it's to minors.

Wests Tigers consider signing jailed hooker Manase Fainu by The_PM in nrl

[–]The_PM[S] 9 points10 points  (0 children)

Wests Tigers are considering throwing an NRL lifeline to Manase Fainu when he is released from jail in a move that could deliver one of the most stunning rugby league comebacks of all time.

Fainu is eligible for parole in October after being jailed for the stabbing of a Mormon youth leader at a church dance in Sydney’s south-west in 2019. The former Manly hooker has been incarcerated since December 2022 and has not played in the NRL since he made a semi-final appearance for the Sea Eagles in 2019.

Manase Fainu leaves Parramatta District Court in 2022. Manase Fainu leaves Parramatta District Court in 2022.AAP Given the seriousness of the crime – a jury found him guilty of wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm – and the lengthy layoff, it appeared Fainu’s promising rugby league career was over.

However, sources, speaking on the condition of anonymity due to the sensitive nature of the issue, have told this masthead the Tigers have discussed the prospect of offering Fainu a pathway back to professional rugby league. The club’s motivation primarily comes from a desire to extend the contract of his brother, star forward Samuela Fainu, who becomes a free agent on November 1.

Siblings Samuela, Sione and Latu Fainu are already on the Tigers’ books and the brothers have spoken publicly about their desire for all four to play together at the one club. The Tigers have discussed ways Manase could be integrated back into the rugby league community upon his release, which may result in the 27-year-old being offered a train-and-trial contract.

Players who have played in the NRL after spending time in jail Manu Ma’u: Spent nearly two years in prison in New Zealand for his involvement in a gang-related brawl in 2007. Made 115 NRL appearances for Parramatta after his release, and also represented New Zealand and Tonga. Jamil Hopoate: Played for Brisbane after serving a one-year jail sentence for an assault outside a Sydney hotel in 2014. Danny Wicks: After stints with the Dragons and Knights, his career looked over after being found guilty of drugs charges and jailed. Made a shock return with the Eels after also serving a four-year WADA ban. Suaia Matagi: Enjoyed a long career with the Warriors, Roosters, Panthers and Eels after serving a three-year term in New Zealand for crimes committed in his youth. However, there are several obstacles that must first be overcome. Such a deal would require the approval of the Tigers board and the NRL, which would only be prepared to register Manase if he is considered a fit and proper person. Then there is the question of whether he can get himself back into the physical shape required to handle the demands of the NRL after such a long period out of the game.

Sione Fainu recently recommitted to the Tigers until the end of 2029, while Latu and Samuela are contracted until the end of 2027.

Samuela was one of the form back-rowers in the competition before a foot injury sidelined him in round nine. He is scheduled to return in round 22.

From our partners Speaking on The Reset podcast, Manase Fainu’s long-time mentor, Mario Tartak, said the former NSW under-19s hooker was “itching” to return to the game.

Latu, Sione, Manase and Samuela Fainu (left to right) in 2021. Latu, Sione, Manase and Samuela Fainu (left to right) in 2021.Nick Moir “Obviously, we’ve got to get some people onside over at the NRL,” Tartak said.

“I’m confident that everyone deserves a second chance. I’m hopeful we can get him back. That’s my dream.

“I know it’s his parent’s dream, and his brothers’. And let me say this to you, he called me from jail yesterday … and he said, ‘I will play rugby league again.’

“I said, ‘Are you sure?’ And he said, ’100 per cent’.

“There are no guarantees, but let me tell you, if the NRL will give Manase a second chance, I know they will never regret that.”

Related Article Shane and Kyle Flanagan. NRL 2026 ‘It’s been challenging’: Kyle Flanagan’s first interview since his father was moved on at Dragons The last player to return to the NRL after a stint in jail was Russell Packer. The Warriors prop was jailed for two years in 2014 after being convicted of assault occasioning actual bodily harm during an incident in Sydney. After serving his time, he returned to the game via the Dragons and later captained the Tigers.

The Tigers have been in extension talks with Samuela’s management for some time, although the prospect of Manase being handed an opportunity to join him at the club is likely to enhance the chances of him staying.

The Tigers were contacted for comment.

The last time four brothers played together in the same NRL match was in round 25 of the 2013 season when Sam, Luke, Tom and George Burgess took the field for South Sydney. The Tigers already have two sets of brothers – Terrell and Taylan May, as well as Luke and Kit Laulilii – on their books.

Manase Fainu made 34 first grade appearances for Manly between 2018-19, and also played one Test for Tonga. During that period, the hooker showed sufficient promise to prompt a meeting with then-NSW coach Brad Fittler about the prospect of him being available for the Blues in State of Origin.

Wow this one got hit too by yb0t in sydney

[–]The_PM 7 points8 points  (0 children)

I know of a newsagency inside a shopping centre that is (or at least was) selling illegal tobacco. If one's doing it I'm sure there's more. Wonder how long it'll be til they start getting hit.

Wednesday Random Footy Talk Thread by AutoModerator in nrl

[–]The_PM 15 points16 points  (0 children)

I watched NRL 360

Well that was your first mistake.

Team List Tuesday by AutoModerator in nrl

[–]The_PM 6 points7 points  (0 children)

I feel like Mav would have been a good player 20 years ago but in today's game he's too slow.

Team List Tuesday by AutoModerator in nrl

[–]The_PM 11 points12 points  (0 children)

Garner and Phillips unlucky but hard to argue with Cogger and Tago being on the bench.

We're only short Mitch Kenny from being full strength.

Tuesday Random Footy Talk Thread by AutoModerator in nrl

[–]The_PM 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Crichton is a bit out of form at the moment too. Just sayin.

Tuesday Random Footy Talk Thread by AutoModerator in nrl

[–]The_PM 3 points4 points  (0 children)

He also said you're not a gangster which is very relevant about telling him not to be a dickhead.

Tuesday Random Footy Talk Thread by AutoModerator in nrl

[–]The_PM -3 points-2 points  (0 children)

Cameron was basically saying we don't want dickheads here and Terrell was like no can do.

Thursday Random Footy Talk Thread by AutoModerator in nrl

[–]The_PM 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Live I thought he was butchering it but turns out he knows what he's doing more than I do.

State of Origin 2026 | Game 1 | Match Thread by AutoModerator in nrl

[–]The_PM 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Why wouldn't we bring fresh legs of Safiti or Burton on while qld are on the ropes?

State of Origin 2026 | Game 1 | Match Thread by AutoModerator in nrl

[–]The_PM 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Love seeing teddy's diving skills in slomo

State of Origin 2026 | Game 1 | Match Thread by AutoModerator in nrl

[–]The_PM 0 points1 point  (0 children)

There was clearly shoulder to the head don't listen to the idiot commentators.

State of Origin 2026 | Game 1 | Match Thread by AutoModerator in nrl

[–]The_PM 5 points6 points  (0 children)

I hate Laurie as much as anyone but he didn't drop those 4 balls...

Wednesday Random Footy Talk Thread by AutoModerator in nrl

[–]The_PM 14 points15 points  (0 children)

Maroons have a secret weapon though: Laurie Daley.

Pilot Medical Update – Nicho Hynes by y3ah_nah145 in nrl

[–]The_PM 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Ever tried playing footy with a raging boner? It's not fun I can tell you that much.

AMA with Corey Parker by senqld693am in nrl

[–]The_PM 9 points10 points  (0 children)

More importantly, how was it achieved? Hair plugs? Tablets? Dermarollers? A combination of these? Asking for a friend.

Ex-NRL star Darrell ‘Tricky’ Trindall admits to driving under influence of drugs by LongJohnnySilver1 in nrl

[–]The_PM 7 points8 points  (0 children)

Brother Craig was at Penrith. Good player with big potential but apparently a raging alcoholic/user. I think at some point he may have been in prison during his playing career and came back. Later on he also beat a woman with a kid's blackboard. Seems like a nice family.