The Timaru Herald

Simona’s bid for NRL return

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Former Wests Tigers centre Tim Simona is reportedly making a formal bid to be allowed to return to the sport.

New Zealand-born Simona was suspended ‘‘indefinite­ly’’ for betting on NRL matches in 2017. He was also found to have defrauded charities by selling signed jerseys and keeping the money.

Simona, who played for the Tigers between 2011-2016 and also represente­d Samoa, will make a submission to the Rugby League Players’ Associatio­n this week to overturn the ban, according to the Daily Telegraph.

‘‘I just have to have a football in my hands,’’ the 27-year-old said. ‘‘I have to have rugby league in my life.

‘‘I go to the park with a football nearly every day and I dream of once again playing in the NRL. I want it more than anything.’’

As well as submitting a dossier that states the community work he has undertaken since his ban, he has also penned a letter to the RLPA detailing the lessons he has learned and difficulti­es he has faced.

As well as being found guilty of betting on matches, Simona received a good behaviour bond for selling signed jerseys and keeping the proceeds, which were supposed to go to charity. His rehabilita­tion has reportedly included working with a gambling psychologi­st as he deals with ‘‘the most gutwrenchi­ng, difficult, embarrassi­ng, shitty, shaming’’ incident in his life, adding it left him ‘‘to the point I didn’t wish to live’’.

He has also worked as a personal trainer for clients with special needs.

If he does receive clearance to return to the profession­al arena at least two clubs have reportedly already expressed interest in signing him.

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