Charges against former NRL playmaker Brandon Wakeham, who was arrested during a large drug sting that uncovered one kilogram of MDMA, have officially been dropped. Wakeham was initially taken into custody in May while playing for feeder club Blacktown, as authorities linked him to alleged drug supply activities. His high-profile lawyer, Elias Tabchouri, asserted that Wakeham had maintained his innocence throughout, and the charges were ultimately withdrawn in Sydney’s Downing Centre court.
The NRL had suspended Wakeham under its no-fault stand-down policy following his arrest. Investigators reported finding Wakeham in a car during two alleged instances of drug supply, although his lawyer argued he was unaware of the situation. In the same operation, authorities charged San Souci businessman Sam Amine and his nephew, Nabil Allouche, after seizing $10 million worth of assets, cash, and additional drugs. Amine, previously linked to a 2021 extortion incident and charged with multiple offenses, remains in custody.
Tyrell Sloan, the Dragons’ emerging talent, will shift to the wing and occasionally play in the centers following the signing of Clint Gutherson from Parramatta, who will assume the fullback role. Dragons coach Shane Flanagan encouraged Sloan, emphasizing that working with a seasoned player like Gutherson will accelerate his development. Flanagan likened Sloan’s trajectory to that of Queensland’s Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, who gained versatility by playing in various backline roles. Sloan is reportedly excited about the mentorship and his potential growth alongside Gutherson.
