Canterbury Bulldogs general manager Phil Gould has confirmed he visited former Manly hooker Manase Fainu in prison but has poured cold water on a possible pursuit of his brothers Latu and Samuela.
Manase was jailed last year after being found guilty of stabbing a Mormon church leader in 2019 but News Corp has previously revealed his intention to appeal.
Latu and Samuela are on the radar of a number of clubs, namely the Dolphins and Wests Tigers, after they were given permission to speak with rivals following Manly’s signing of Luke Brooks.
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After sharing that he had visited the jailed 25-year-old, Gould said his interest in the brothers was not based on recruitment.
“I went out and saw Manase, had a lovely afternoon with him, spent about an hour and a half out there at the jail and he’s doing it tough at the moment,” Gould revealed on Nine’s 100% Footy.
“I had a conversation with Latu and Samuela about their futures as well, it’s more mentoring at the moment than actually recruitment.
“I’ll take a bit of interest in their career from now on, both of them played in the NSW under 19s the other night.”
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Gould was asked if the Bulldogs were in the market for the brothers, but replied “not at the moment”, conceding “they’re very young” with Samuela aged 19 and Latu 18.
NRL player Manase Fainu found guilty over 2019 church stabbing
The Bulldogs supremo said he was hoping to help the family in the future.
“It’s been a very tough time for the family and that’s about all I can say at the moment,” he said.
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“It was more in just building a relationship and communication with the family and helping out down the track if I can.
“It’s more about just taking an interest in their lives and their football, their lives in particular, football becomes a part of it down the track. They’re going to around a long time, they’re talented boys.”
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