Cronulla have addressed the drama surrounding former player Cruz Topai-Aveai after the 21-year-old was caught on camera jumping on a police vehicle at a Black Lives Matter protest on Saturday.
Topai-Aveai was seen shouting at police and grabbing the bullbar of a reversing police vehicle before climbing on top of it in Brisbane.
“Yes this is me. If you have any questions, shoot me a dm,” he wrote in a social media update on Saturday.
“Know the story behind the video, you didn’t see the part where I bust a locked door open to escape so I could calm down, I weeped on my brother Jalen Reweti shoulder and had his beautiful partner Tupu there to help calm me.
“I am furious. I am angry. I am young. I am dumb. I am whatever you think I am.
“Most of all I am fed up of Police abusing their privilege to wear their uniform.”
Topai-Aveai was contracted to the Sharks, but requested a release in May.
The Sharks released a statement on Sunday.
"In response to media enquires surrounding Cruz Topai-Aveai and his apparent involvement in the protest march in Brisbane yesterday, the Cronulla Sharks can confirm he is no longer a contracted player at the club," the release said.
"Cruz requested a release and signed a deed of termination/ release from his NRL contract on May 1 this year."
Topai-Aveai made six appearances for the Newtown Jets last year but hasn't made his NRL debut.