A promising youngster on the books of the Parramatta Eels has been stood down by the NRL club following his alleged role in a robbery.
Phoenix Tauasa, 18, was charged alongside two other teenage males with three counts of robbery in company and two counts of larceny on August 7.
Tauasa was a member of the Eels’ SG Ball under-19s squad and attends Patrician Brothers College in Blacktown.
Earlier this week Tauasa represented his school – while on conditional bail – against St Gregory’s College at Campbelltown Sports Stadium in the Peter Mulholland Cup where he was a standout in the 62-16 victory.
The centre also previously played for the Manly Sea Eagles in the Harold Matthews under-16s competition.
According to News Corp, the teenager was initially refused bail by police before facing Penrith Local Court on August 8.
Magistrate Geoff Hiatt granted bail, with strict conditions, namely that Tauasa must report to Penrith police station every Saturday and Sunday and to not be absent from his home between 9pm and 6am unless with approved chaperones or while at school.
Tauasa is also prohibited from consuming drugs or alcohol and must present himself to police for testing if requested.
His matter returns to Downing Centre Local Court in Sydney’s CBD on October 7.
It is understood Tauasa was stood down indefinitely by the Eels following the charges.
Semisi Malungahu, 18, and another male who can’t be named due to his age were also charged over the same alleged robbery.
Both were charged with aggravated robbery while inflicting actual bodily harm, three counts of robbery in company and two counts of larceny.
Malungahu did not apply for bail and was remanded in custody, while the 17-year-old’s matter will next be mentioned at Parramatta Children’s Court on September 19.
