Former NRL player Talatau Junior Amone has admitted to assault after an incident in August 2024, where he spat at a woman during a confrontation in a Wollongong pub. Surveillance footage captured the altercation that erupted after the woman approached Amone while he was playing poker machines. Defence attorney Angela Cook expressed that their encounter was unexpected, stemming from previous brief intimacy. She stated the argument flared when the woman made disparaging remarks about Amone’s family and career, which affected him deeply due to his recent professional setbacks.
Amone’s career has been tumultuous; he lost a $500,000 contract in 2023 and currently faces a ban from the NRL until 2026 following a violent incident involving a hammer in late 2022. Despite his criminal history, Cook highlighted Amone’s commitment to rehabilitation, noting his completed community service and ongoing psychological treatment.
Magistrate Michael Love has requested a report from community corrections before deciding on Amone’s sentence, indicating he is leaning towards further community service rather than imprisonment, to help him make amends for the harm caused. A sentencing date is set for February 25.