Phil Gould reveals why he visited Manase Fainu in jail after Sea Eagles NRL star was locked up for stabbing church leader in the back

Bulldogs supremo Phil Gould has revealed why he visited former Sea Eagles hooker Manase Fainu in a NSW jail recently.

The 25-year-old was locked up last year after he was found guilty of stabbing a youth leader outside a Mormon church dance in 2019 in Sydney‘s south-west.

The talented ex-footballer pleaded not guilty and maintains his innocence. 

‘I want to clear my name and return home to support my family and get back on the football field,’ Fainu said in May. ‘I want this matter resolved.’

Leading Sydney lawyer Paul McGirr and barrister Michael Smith submitted Fainu’s appeal to the Court of Criminal Appeal, and the matter should be heard in August.

Bulldogs supremo Phil Gould has revealed why he visited former Sea Eagles hooker Manase Fainu in a NSW jail recently

Fainu, 25, was jailed last year after he was found guilty of stabbing a youth leader during a wild brawl outside a Mormon dance in 2019

While Fainu faces an uncertain future behind bars, his younger brothers Latu and Samuela are drawing interest from NRL clubs, including the Dolphins and Tigers.

Gould confirmed he has been in touch with Manase and his family – but at this stage he won’t pursue the siblings to sign deals with Canterbury.

‘I went out and saw Manase, had a lovely afternoon with him, spent about an hour-and-a-half out there at the jail,’ Gould said on Nine’s 100% Footy. 

‘He is doing it tough at the moment.

‘I [also] had a conversation with Latu and Samuela about their futures as well, but it’s more mentoring at the moment.

‘I’ll take a bit of interest in their careers from now on, both of them played in the NSW under-19s the other night.’

Manase made his NRL debut in 2018 for the Sea Eagles and soon became one of the code’s brightest young stars

Gould added that Manase jail stint has been a ‘tough time for the family’ and his personal interest is purely about ‘building relationships’.

‘Football becomes a part of it down the track,’ he added. ‘They are going to be around a long time, they are talented boys.’

Manase made his NRL debut in 2018 and soon became one of the code’s brightest young stars.

His performances were so impressive that Manly released star hooker Api Koroisau to Penrith, with Fainu touted as the club’s long-term No.9.