Former NRL player Steve Renouf has faced legal action after being caught driving while severely intoxicated, nearly four times over the legal blood alcohol limit. The Brisbane Broncos icon, now 55, was stopped during a late-night breath test in Red Hill on July 1, where he registered a blood-alcohol concentration of 0.197.
In court, Renouf apologised for his actions, admitting to police, “You’ve got me, I’m drunk,” when they confronted him. The court heard that he was unsteady and slurring his words, dropping belongings when asked for his driving licence. Despite initially attempting to leave the premises, he was subsequently detained by officers for further testing. Renouf’s legal representative explained that he had little recollection of the events following his visit to a nearby venue with friends, acknowledging that he made the poor choice to drive.
Renouf experienced a hypoglycaemic episode while in custody due to low blood sugar, prompting police to provide him with jelly beans and reach out to his partner for assistance. Defence counsel stated that Renouf feels deep remorse and embarrassment over the incident, presenting a character reference from renowned NRL coach Wayne Bennett, which emphasised Renouf’s integrity and honesty regarding the situation.
The prosecution highlighted Renouf’s lack of prior traffic offences, which led Magistrate Judith Daley to consider the implications a conviction might have on his international work travel. Ultimately, Renouf was fined $1,200 and disqualified from driving for 11 months after pleading guilty to driving under the influence, although no conviction was recorded against him.
Renouf, who played 183 games for the Melbourne club and scored 142 tries, acknowledged the disappointment caused by his actions, particularly as he sees himself as a role model in the community. He expressed his regret, stating, “It deeply hurts me, and I apologise if I’ve upset anyone that’s looked up to me.” His career achievements include four premierships and selection for both Queensland State of Origin and the Indigenous Team of the Century in 2008.