Dragons cut ties with rookie after 200km/h police chase
St George Illawarra have released Seriah Palepale effective immediately, after the rookie forward was arrested last month.
The 19-year-old spent a night behind bars when she crashed her car into a telegraph pole after a high-speed police chase.
Dragons player Seriah Palepale. St George Illawarra Dragons.
It was alleged Palepale was driving 200km/hr in a 90km/hr zone.
Palepale pleaded guilty to charges of driving dangerously during a police pursuit and driving with a suspended licence. She avoided a prison sentence but was handed a two-year driving disqualification and 120 hours of community service.
Palepale was stood down by the Dragons at the time of the offence, having only made her NRLW debut days prior to the off-field incident.
In a statement on Monday, the club confirmed Palepale had been released from her contract.
“St George Illawarra have granted Seriah Palepale an immediate release from her NRLW playing contract on compassionate grounds,” the statement said.
“Palepale requested the release following recent personal circumstances, and the club agreed it was in both parties’ best interests to part ways.
“The Dragons acknowledge the seriousness of the matters that were recently before the court. The club will continue to provide Palepale with appropriate support during this period and wish her well moving forward.”
A former Australian Schoolgirls representative, Palepale came off the bench in the Red V’s round nine win over the Warriors.
