EXCLUSIVE: Cronulla playmaker Albert Kelly has been given indefinite leave from all duties with the football club in order to address some off-field issues.
Kelly is still contracted to the club, not having been formally released from his three-year deal tying him to the club until the end of 2014.
The 20-year-old has not been seen at Sharks training for over a month, after being granted time off to deal with his off-field demons.
Kelly’s disappearance comes after he was charged with resisting arrest, offensive language and failing to comply with a move-on order in Port Macquarie in November last year, while away watching his girlfriend play touch football.
Earlier that year in June, he was in trouble with Miranda police for an off-field incident at Northies hotel where he was charged with assault.
The promising playmaker experienced a frustrating season in 2011 after breaking his leg in Round 7, however despite being limited to nine appearances last year he was re-signed by the club.
Originally from Kempsey, the cousin of superstar Greg Inglis, has also parted ways with his manager.
When investigating Kelly’s disappearance, nospam11.com.au contacted his former agent Steve Gillis, who knew nothing of the situation, having terminated their agreement late last year.
Cronulla are not short of playmakers, having signed Todd Carney and Jeff Robson at the end of last year while Chad Townsend and Wade Graham are also at the club.
