Tim Simona could make a shock return to rugby league as soon as this weekend if the NRL rubberstamps a bid to register him for Manlys feeder team Blacktown Workers.
Former Tigers winger Simona hasnt played since he was deregistered indefinitely for placing a series of bets on rugby league matches, some of them on his opponents. It was widely thought that his last match, against Canberra on September of 2016, would be the last of his career given the NRLs hardline stance on breaches of integrity.
However, the Herald can reveal Blacktown on Friday attempted to register a contract just before the June 30 deadline for the remainder of the season. The NSWRL has referred the matter to NRL powerbrokers, who are poised to hand down their decision this week.
“Our board has a policy of not allowing players who have been deregistered by the NRL to play in NSWRL competitions without the permission of the NRL,” NSWRL CEO David Trodden said.
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“If the NRL indicated positively that they have no objection from playing in our competition, then we would probably allow it. If they didnt give that indication, they he probably wont.
“Like all governing bodies, we expect other people to respect our disciplinary suspensions and decisions and the like, so we certainly respect the decisions of other governing bodies, particularly the NRL.”
If given the green light, Simona could be considered for the Blacktown side that takes on Wentworthville at Ringrose Oval on Saturday. But given his long lay-off, its more likely he would be asked to first undertake a week of training with his new teammates before making his Blacktown debut in the following weeks clash with South Sydney.
It would cap a remarkable comeback that, if successful, could see him push for a contract next year with the Sea Eagles.
Blacktown has a history of providing lifelines to players on the outer, as evidenced by their decision to sign former NSW and Australian international Tony Williams. "T-Rex" recently made a strong return to Blacktown, piquing the interest of several Super League clubs keen on his services.
Flick pass: Tim Simona could be about to make a shock return to rugby league.Credit:Mark Kolbe
Manlys feeder team also offered John Folau, the brother of controversial cross-code star Israel, a chance to return to rugby league. However, the former Eel backflippeRead More – Source
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