From Rising Star to Courtroom Scandal: Ex-NRL Player Shem Tatupu Charged with Attempted Murder
Former professional athlete Shem Tatupu, who once held promising careers in both rugby league and Australian rules football, is now facing serious criminal charges. The 29-year-old has been charged with attempted murder following his arrest last month in connection with a reported family violence incident, according to News Corp. Victoria Police have not disclosed the specific details of the alleged offence, including when or where it occurred.
Tatupu, who previously played for the Melbourne Storm in the NRL and was also listed with Hawthorn in the AFL, appeared in court last month and is currently on bail. His next appearance is scheduled for a committal mention hearing in August at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court. In addition to the attempted murder charge, he is also facing a separate allegation of intentionally causing serious injury, which is set to be addressed at Moorabbin Magistrates’ Court later this month.
Tatupu is the son of Tony Tatupu, a foundation player for the New Zealand Warriors, and was once regarded as a rising star in both rugby league and Australian football. However, his promising sports career was derailed early when he was struck by a car outside the Melbourne Storm’s headquarters, an incident that significantly affected his trajectory in professional sport.
Now embroiled in a serious legal battle, Tatupu’s fall from sporting potential to criminal allegations marks a tragic and concerning chapter in his life story.
