The NRL has given approval for troubled youngster Willis Meehan to train with Parramatta this season.
Rugby league bad boy Willis Meehan has joined Parramatta on a deal which will allow him to train and play reserve grade with the NRL club this season.
However, the 21-year-old will not be able to play in the top grade until at least the beginning of 2018, pending approval from the NRL.
Meehan, an Australian Schoolboys representative, was considered a rising star in the game before he was sacked by the Sydney Roosters in 2015.
It was in that year he was given a good behaviour bond without a conviction after he headbutted a man and stole his watch outside The Star casino.
Meehan was also convicted and put on a good behaviour bond for assaulting a taxi driver in Maroubra and admitted to working as a standover man for underworld criminals to pay his debts.
Any possible return to the NRL next year would have to be approved by the integrity commission, with the Eels likely to have to provide a plan for his continued rehabilitation in the game.
"We'd consider any application to register him in 2018 on its merits," an NRL spokesman told AAP.
Until then, Meehan will be allowed to represent Parramatta's feeder-club, Wentworthville, in the NSW Cup.
Meehan was handed a lifeline by Manly last year, however, he was released to concentrate on boxing in January, when it was understood the Sea Eagles were still attempting to have his contract cleared by the league.
Replies
What a joke from the NRL. To train, but ineligible for anything other than Wenty until next year. That said, I truly could not see him getting a start in the NRL that quickly any how.
Guy sounds like an absolute grub assaulting innocent people, probably smaller than him, not to mention stealing.
Islams a good fit for him.
No conviction for headbutting someone and stealing their watch. WTF? Stromquist will see 1st grade before Meehan. Might be less talented but wants it so much more.
Snake, nearly everyone is smaller than him, he's 120kg plus. When fully fit will be playing at around 120kg, that's a big forward.
Thankyou.
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