Talking Footy

A month after playing in South Sydney's drought-breaking grand final win, rising NRL star Kirisome Auva'a has been spared a conviction for attacking his ex-girlfriend in a jealous rage.

Auva'a was in Melbourne in January for a wedding when he visited his former partner's Altona North home and shoved her to the ground and then swung her into a garage door when told he had to sleep on the couch, according to papers tendered to Melbourne Magistrates Court.

He also punched holes in the wall of the house in what the court was told on Friday was an "explosive" incident that was the result of a combination of alcohol and jealousy.

Auva'a, 22, pleaded guilty to charges of recklessly causing injury and assault for the attack, which left his victim with cuts and bruises across her body. He also pleaded guilty to two counts of criminal damage.
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The victim was not in court on Friday, but in a statement read to the court said she lived in constant anxiety and distress, and felt that Auva'a had been able to move on, while the Rabbitohs had made it seem the attack "never happened".

"I still believe he is a good person deep down but he has never had to live with any consequence he can learn from," the woman wrote.

Magistrate Kate Hawkins said Auva'a had done everything asked of him since a court appearance in May, including undergoing counselling and attempting to become an ambassador for White Ribbon Australia, the organisation which aims to end violence against women.

Ms Hawkins imposed a two-year good behaviour bond without conviction and asked him to pay $3000 to the court fund.

Ms Hawkins urged Auva'a to become a role model for other men and take a stand against domestic violence.

"It's a huge problem in our community. One person dies every week as a result of a family violence. It's something we need to stand up to," the magistrate said.

"You are in a unique position, along with your club, to take a leading role. There is much you can give back to the community."

Ms Hawkins also took into account Auva'a's remorse, previous good character and promising future in deciding not to impose a conviction.

Earlier, defence counsel Michael Bowe said his client had "grown enormously" since the attack and was devoted to spending his off-season to undergoing counselling.

Auva'a had knocked back an offer to represent his native Samoa in the Four Nations tournament so he could focus on his treatment, Mr Bowe said.

The lack of conviction clears the way for Auva'a to attend a training camp in Arizona this month with his Rabbitohs teammates, who last month broke a 43-year premiership drought with their win over the Canterbury Bulldogs in the grand final.

Auva'a was fined $2000 and suspended for seven days by his club earlier this year.

He declined to say anything outside court as Souths football manager Mark Ellison and other supporters ushered him into a waiting car.

Read more: http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/nrl-s ... z3ISPivHJ5

King-Eliagh wrote:

Hey sydfc? Your new signature? The text doesn't make sense or match the photo

sydneyfc wrote:

King-Eliagh wrote:

Well it's not really that bad a problem. Women are happy to date nrl players and attend games and other functions where nrl players are at. This is different, so very different when it comes to hooligans and soccer matches. Isn't it just?

post_hoc wrote:

Why are they unable to function in society?


It is sick pathetic behaviour, can't be functioning adults in society