Report: The St George Illawarra’s Dragons Key Player is Been Suspended From All Sports For Placing a Bets Against…
Luciano Leilua, a St George Illawarra recruit, returned to the team last week following his early release from the final two years of his contract with the North Queensland Cowboys.
The NRL Integrity Unit has placed the new Dragons backrower under investigation for not telling his previous club about a recent drunk driving charge, so it may take him longer to make his second appearance in the Red V shirt.
Does the NRL intend to suspend Luciano Leilua?
Leilua appeared in Townsville Magistrates Court early in February to answer to a low-level alcohol driving allegation. After entering a guilty plea, the 27-year-old was given a fine and a one-month driving penalty.
MORE: How does the Dragons’ contract with Luciano Leilua differ from that of other forwards?
The Daily Telegraph claims that the Cowboys were not informed of the situation until Leilua’s court appearance the next morning.
Leilua was pulled over by the police on January 21 and then showed up in court on February 7, but during the 17 days that passed, it is said that he neglected to notify his previous club of the occurrence.
When announcing his release last week, North Queensland stated, “Leilua had been stood down from all club activity since pleading guilty to a low-range drink driving charge earlier in February.”
Given the uncertainty surrounding Leilua’s participation in the first few games of the upcoming season, the NRL Integrity Unit is currently looking into the situation.
Luciano Leilua, who was released by the Cowboys, signs with the Dragons
Last Friday, Leilua signed a three-year contract to rejoin the team where he made his NRL debut back in 2016.
Shane Flanagan made the announcement and stated, “We’re delighted to bring Luciano back to the Dragons, where he started his career.”
“As a powerful and skillful edge forward, he will make our roster stronger as we head into the season.”
Before leaving the Red V to sign a lucrative contract with the Wests Tigers, Luciano made 43 appearances for the team.
The Samoan international was a member of the Tigers for three seasons until leaving midway through the 2022 season to accept a deal from the Cowboys.
Leilua, who consistently ranks among the Townsville team’s top, asked to leave three weeks before the new season started, and she will now sign a contract with the Dragons.
