Manly young gun Ruben Garrick says the whole club is behind Manase Fainu following his release on bail.
Fainu is expected to return to Sea Eagles training in the coming weeks after being released on strict bail conditions on Tuesday.
The 21-year-old is facing multiple charges including recklessly causing grievous bodily harm in company following an alleged knife attack at a church dance last month in Sydney’s west.
Fainu has pleaded not guilty to all charges and was supported in court by coach Des Hasler, teammates Addin Fonua-Blake, Moses Suli, Jorge Taufua, former teammate Api Koroisau and a large contingent of family members.
The Sea Eagles’ support for Fainu was emphasised by Garrick at Tuesday’s launch of next year’s NRL magic round in Brisbane.
“All I know is and all I can say is our whole team is getting behind Manase and I myself will do everything I can to help him out,” Garrick told AAP.
“We’re all behind Manase and whatever will happen, will happen.”
Despite his release on bail, Fainu remains under the NRL’s “no-fault” stand down policy.
NRL chief executive Todd Greenberg said Tuesday’s court decision did not change that situation.
“No nothing changes for us,” Greenberg said.
“If he’s out on bail today and he’s been released, I’m pleased for him.
“Under the no-fault stand down policy the charges that apply to him fall into the mandatory category so he’s stood down until such time as that’s completed in the courts.”