Jailed former NRL player Manese Fainu will reportedly appeal his sentence after he was found guilty of stabbing a youth leader outside a Mormon church dance.
The 24-year-old was sentenced to serve at least four years and three months in December 2022 — and he has now stated “I’m innocent”.
Speaking to The Daily Telegraph, Fainu said “I want to clear my name and return home to support my family and get back on the football field. I want this matter resolved.”
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Sydney lawyer Paul McGirr and barrister Michael Smith will reportedly submit Fainua’s appeal to the Court of Criminal Appeal on Wednesday.
Fainu’s legal team will reportedly seek acquittal of all charges, which will likely see the NRL revoke their No Fault Stand Down policy if successful.
“It would be very strange if they didn’t (revoke the stand down) because this (matter) was the only reason he was stood down originally,” McGirr said of the NRL’s policy.
Fainu was contract with Manly ended after the 2021 season, but the Sea Eagles reportedly continued to pay a portion of his contract to assist his family.
“Manase is doing okay (in prison) but he certainly wants to appeal this matter and he is desperate to get back and support his family and start playing footy again,” McGirr said.
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“We are coming to the final conclusions in preparing and lodging our appeal for Manase Fainu.
“We expect to lodge it in the next 24 hours.
“It will be based on a number of matters including the dangers of identification evidence and how notoriously unreliable that can be.
“If we are successful the Court of Criminal Appeal can quash the conviction, which means they have decided the defendant should be found not guilty and he would be released immediately.
“Alternatively they can order a retrial or dismiss the appeal which would of course be worse case scenario.”
Fainu played 34 games for Manly after debuting in Round 16 of the 2018 season.
