Sydney Roosters NRL player Jake Friend has escaped a conviction for possessing a restricted drug, but has been put on a good behaviour bond for two years.
Friend pleaded guilty to the charge of possessing three diazepam Valium tablets and seven diazepam Antenex tablets.
He was found in possession of the tranquilliser drugs on June 5 this year by police at Coogee in Sydney's eastern suburbs.
In Waverley Local Court on Tuesday, Magistrate Jacqueline Milledge noted that his young fans would be reading about the case in the media.
A lot of people believed in him and he could not let them down, she said.
"You need to be the best role model you possibly can," Ms Milledge said.
Earlier, the magistrate had admitted to defence lawyer Stephen Alexander that she had not heard of Friend.
"Should I know who he is?" she asked.
Mr Alexander pleaded on Friend's behalf that he had references, including one from Stephen Noyce, CEO of the Sydney Roosters.
In the reference, Mr Noyce said Friend showed a lot of promise as a player.
Mr Alexander also said Friend had done rehab through the club and had had counselling.
Friend had also worked as a pot washer for $12 an hour when the club suspended him after a drink-driving conviction.
The club has since reinstated his contract due to his rehabilitation and good behaviour.
Ms Milledge put Friend on a good behaviour bond for two years.
"You and I are joined at the hip for the next two years, and I don't want to see you again," she said.
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