Brandon Wakeham has staged a remarkable return to the NRL for the first time since going through the hellish experience of being arrested on serious drugs charges that were later dismissed.

The 27-year-old was arrested in May 2024 over disproven allegations he was involved in drug supply after police seized one kilogram of MDMA in a broader sting.

Wakeham was handcuffed by officers in a very public raid when he arrived at training for the Blacktown Workers, the former feeder club for the Manly Sea Eagles.

But in November of that year, Wakeham had all charges against him dismissed after an eight-month investigation. 

Had he been found guilty of the charges of participating in drug supply, and involvement in a criminal group, he faced a maximum sentence of life in prison. 

Wakeham’s lawyer, Elias Tabchouri, emphasised that his client had consistently denied any wrongdoing.

Footy star Brandon Wakeham is pictured with his wife Madelyn after featuring in Manly’s loss to Newcastle on Sunday. It was the first time he’d played in the NRL since being hit with serious drug charges in 2024

Madelyn Wakeham proudly paid tribute to her husband for his unwavering dedication in this Instagram post

Wakeham (in green top) is pictured being arrested by police when he arrived for training in May 2024. He was later cleared of all charges after an eight-month investigation

However, Wakeham was suspended under the NRL’s no-fault stand-down policy.

Now, after two seasons in reserve grade at Manly, he finally returned to the NRL on Sunday with very little fanfare.

The Fijian star’s wife Madelyn has published a post on Instagram, paying tribute to him for working his way back into first grade despite the immense setback posed by his arrest and legal battle.

‘So proud of this man,’ she wrote.

‘Watching his determination to keep chasing his dream has been incredible,’ she added.

‘Any positive feels like the biggest blessing, slowing down and soaking in each day as it comes.’

‘Thanks for the support fam.’

The footballer, who has been in and out of first grade across his career came off the bench in Manly’s embarrassing 16-36 loss at the hands of the Newcastle Knights.  

Wakeham is pictured embracing his supporters after the match on Sunday. He was suspended from playing under the NRL’s no-fault stand-down policy before the charges were dismissed 

The 27-year-old also starred for the Wests Tigers in 2023

Wakeham played 15 games for the Tigers in 2023, before dropping down a level in the hope of serving as back-up half on the Northern Beaches.

‘Today’s result, with the charges withdrawn and dismissed against him, is a vindication for Brandon and the fact that he never did anything wrong,’ Elias Tabchouri said when Wakeham was cleared.

‘Brandon is very happy with the result and now seek to rebuild his life, having endured a very difficult time.’

Police raided Wakeham’s apartment in May 2024, after which he was granted bail in Manly Local Court.

The Fijian international, who had 40 NRL games to his name at the time, was accused of being in the passenger seat of a vehicle involved in two alleged instances of drug supply, according to court proceedings.