Bulldogs junior runs out despite brother benched over gang war concerns
Escalating gangland tensions see a junior member of the Alameddines benched from playing rugby league, but his brother has been given the green light to play.
Zain Alameddine, a promising young player for the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs, continues to play in the Ron Massey Cup football competition despite his brother, Mohamed, being benched by the rival Parramatta Eels over gangland violence concerns. The Bulldogs have taken extensive measures to ensure Zain's safety, including providing security and liaising with the NRL Integrity Unit, who work alongside NSW Police on the matter.
The club's decision is rooted in an evaluation that there is no immediate threat to Zain's safety, unlike his brother's situation with the Eels. Both Zain and Mohamed Alameddine are part of a crime network operating in Sydney's western suburbs, though they have not been accused of any wrongdoing. The gang feud has escalated, involving various incidents such as a foiled assassination plot at a rugby league game earlier this year.
Despite the escalating tensions, the Bulldogs have opted to allow Zain to continue playing, while the Eels have benched Mohamed. The New South Wales Rugby League has been monitoring the situation and maintaining communication with both clubs, but the final selection decisions rest with the clubs themselves.
Written by urgent.news from ABC News's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — it may contain errors, so check the original before relying on it.
