Junior Amone, the former standout of the St George Illawarra Dragons, is set to make his comeback to rugby league by joining the Wynnum-Manly Seagulls in the Queensland Cup.
This club serves as a feeder team for the Brisbane Broncos, suggesting an imminent return to the NRL, following Amone's narrow escape from jail related to an incident in Wollongong in 2022.
Although his NRL contract with the Dragons was terminated, Amone's pathway back has emerged, with the Courier Mail reporting his move to Queensland to revive his NRL aspirations.
The Tongan international last featured in the NRL in 2023, demonstrating his skills alongside talented local juniors like Tyrell Sloan and Jayden Sullivan.
Wynnum-Manly succeeded in securing Amone's signature amidst competition from various Queensland teams, largely due to his rapport with head coach Mathew Head from their time together at the Dragons.
Head served as the assistant coach under Anthony Griffin, where Amone played 54 matches in the Red V before his suspension.
With exceptional skills such as a powerful right foot step, sharp ball-playing vision, and an impressive running game, Amone could soon find himself back in the NRL after a brief stint.
At just 24 years old, he has already represented Tonga in three Tests during the 2022 international window and is vying for a place in their upcoming World Cup campaign in October.
With the Queensland Rugby League's approval, Amone might make his return as early as this weekend.