BULLDOGS recruit Jacob Loko could be facing the sack after being involved in a fight with Manly winger Jorge Taufua outside a Sydney bar on Saturday night.
It is believed Loko and Taufua had to be separated by security staff during a booze-fuelled incident which spilled on to the streets.
Channel 9 has obtained CCTV footage of the prolonged brawl between the two long-time friends and the NRL integrity unit is investigating.
Should the Bulldogs take disciplinary action it could spell the end of Loko’s career.
In January Loko pleaded guilty to high-range drink driving in a Manly court after being stopped by police and recording a blood alcohol reading nearly four times over the legal limit.
Loko arrived at Belmore in the middle of last year after a series of injuries restricted him to just 23 appearance for Parramatta since making his debut in 2011.
Jacob Loko joined Parramatta last year from Parramatta. Source: News Limited
The 22-year-old not only went through two knee reconstructions, he also twice suffered setbacks because of staph infections. Since arriving at Belmore during the middle of last year, after being off-loaded to ease pressure on the Parramatta salary cap, he earnt rave reviews from Canterbury coaching staff.
In December Bulldogs great Terry Lamb compared him to Sonny Bill Williams and had the makings of an NRL star.
“He’s got the body of Sonny Bill, seriously,” Lamb told AAP.
Jorge Taufua in action for Manly last year. Source: News Corp Australia
“I went into the gym and I looked at him. I saw Sonny when he first came through and I saw how his body was. Jacob has a very, very similar body.
“Almost the same height and everything.”
Taufua’s contract could also come under scrutiny after he narrowly avoided jail in 2013 for spitting on a police officer on the Gold Coast while celebrating his 21st birthday.
He was given a two-match ban but was allowed to play in that year’s finals series after pleading guilty and being given a suspended four-month jail sentence.
The Bulldogs and Sea Eagles said they had been made aware of an incident involving the two long-time friends in the Sydney CBD on Saturday night.
Both clubs said it was not a police matter but were looking into the incident.
Originally published as NRL duo involved in late-night inciden
Replies
Hmmm, maybe Loko has a problem with alcohol?
He only has an alcohol problem when he has no alcohol - just like the rest of us.
put on a bulldogs jersey and you become an instant fuckwit
LMAO
What a shame, I really believed in this kid and his abilities. He had all the talent in the world and with his head screwed on the right way would have owned a centre spot at Parra right now. Talk about throwing it all away. Shame.