Reportedly, Brandon Wakeham, a former player for the Canterbury Bulldogs and Wests Tigers, has allegedly been implicated in a significant police investigation regarding suspected drug distribution. The Sydney Morning Herald initially disclosed that Wakeham, currently under contract with the Blacktown Workers Sea Eagles, a feeder club for the Manly Sea Eagles, was apprehended. 9News Sydney later revealed that Wakeham faces charges of ‘large-scale drug supply’ and is scheduled to appear in court today following a night in custody. Channel Nine indicated that two others were also charged after authorities discovered 1kg of MDMA and 56 grams of cocaine. Despite being included in the Manly Sea Eagles’ extended bench for an upcoming match against the Brisbane Broncos, Wakeham was named as the halfback for the NSW Cup with the Blacktown Workers’ team set to play against the Bulldogs on Sunday.
Brandon Wakeham, who last played in the NRL in 2023 with the Wests Tigers, has accumulated 40 NRL appearances since his debut in 2019, splitting his time between 25 games with the Bulldogs and 15 with the Tigers. Renowned for his performances in the halves, either as a five-eighth or halfback, he has also represented Fiji on eight occasions at the international level.
This incident marks the second drug-related issue involving an NRL player in recent weeks, following Cronulla Sharks’ Braydon Trindall’s charges for failing an alcohol and drug test during a roadside check on April 22. Despite this, Trindall is potentially set to return to play this week, having been named in the 22-man squad for their upcoming Magic Round clash against the Sydney Roosters.
NSW Police released a statement via The Herald regarding the charges laid under Strike Force Verbena by the Drug and Firearms Squad detectives. Three men, including a 47-year-old individual and his associates, have been charged for alleged involvement in prohibited drug supply. The main suspect faces a total of 10 charges, including directing activities of a criminal group, dealing with proceeds of crime, and various offenses related to drug and firearms supply. He was denied bail and scheduled to appear before Sutherland Local Court. Additionally, a 25-year-old man was arrested in Brookvale and charged with drug-related offenses, while further items were seized during a search warrant at an apartment in Bexley. The investigation under Strike Force Verbena remains ongoing.
