Wests Tigers consider signing jailed hooker Manase Fainu

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.

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.

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.

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.

“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.”

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.