Sunday 21 February 2016 13:14, UK
Australian rugby league player Jamal Idris has been the victim of a kidnapping attempt in Vietnam, according to reports.
Idris, who is currently on indefinite leave from the game, was said to be on a Contiki tour in Ho Chi Minh City when he became separated from his group and encountered a group of violent kidnappers who attacked him and tried to extort money from him.
The 6ft 5in centre escaped and, distressed, immediately contacted his family, who informed federal authorities.
Idris' mother, Alana, contacted Contiki on Facebook fearing for the safety of her son. "It's a matter of life and death ... can't stress the importance of this message," she wrote.
The travel organisation later told Alana it had located Idris and confirmed his safety.
Idris was granted a release from the Penrith Panthers last November on compassionate grounds.
The 25-year-old has played 131 first grade games in stints at Canterbury, Gold Coast and Penrith. He has also played one State of Origin game for NSW and one Test for Australia.
