Jamal Idris the victim of a kidnapping attempt, reports say

The 25-year-old centre, 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.

Idris 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.

The former Penrith player was granted a release from the Panthers last November on compassionate grounds.

Idris 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.