Former Canberra Raiders junior John Papalii says he has worked hard to become a better person after the dashing of his NRL hopes sparked a downward spiral that ended in three drunken robberies.
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Papalii is currently facing sentencing for robberies at a supermarket in Pearce and an attempted robbery at another in Spence in December 2013.
His contract with Canberra Raiders had just been terminated, and he struggled to cope with the setback, which was compounded by pre-existing mental health problems
Papalii, the brother of Kangaroos and Queensland origin player Josh Papalii, drank heavily, and robbed the Pearce supermarket twice in one night.
He lied to staff that he had a gun and demanded money. The crimes have been described as unsophisticated and "fairly pathetic" and Papalii was later found by police hiding in bushes.
The ACT Supreme Court heard on Wednesday that the ending of his Raiders contract was the catalyst for a downward spiral and a major depressive episode.
But, since his sentence was delayed in December, Papalii has continued to positively turn his life around, through church, his involvement in a Polynesian and Pacific Islander community group, a supportive partner, and ongoing counselling.
He now has his sights set on reviving his once-promising rugby league career, and is training and playing with his local team in the hope of securing interstate opportunities with feeder clubs to the Brisbane Broncos and Parramatta Eels.
Speaking outside court, Papalii said he was feeling confident about his prospects.
"I've got to suffer the consequences and pay the penalty," he said.
"I'm doing what I can for the community and just trying to do the best I can to be a better person."
In court, Papalii's barrister John Purnell, SC, said the evidence clearly showed his client had undergone a "reformation".
He had written letters of apology to his victims, opened up about his problems to his counsellor and partner, and stayed away from alcohol.
"He is an elite athlete and he has lost the opportunity to compete at the highest level, the NRL, because of these offences," Mr Purnell said.
His defence are pushing for a suspended prison sentence.
Crown prosecutor Margaret Jones said the offences were objectively serious, and were likely to have had serious impacts on the victims.
She said everyone has to deal with disappointment in their lives.
The Crown acknowledged Papalii had made significant progress in turning his life around, something that bode well for his future.
Papalii's partner also gave evidence to the court, saying he had stayed away from alcohol and now talked about his problems.
"It's easier for him now, he's more open," she said.
"The reason for him drinking was to get away from the issues and the problems that he has."
Justice Richard Refshauge will hand down sentence on Monday morning.
