NRL 2021: Parramatta’s Junior Paulo opens up 2015 arrest, rise to Eels & Origin star

After hitting rock bottom six years ago, Eels star Junior Paulo has got his life together to not only become one of the game’s best front-rowers but also help inspire the next generation.

Parramatta prop Junior Paulo knows how easily something you love can be taken away.

The Eels enforcer was at his lowest point after being arrested for a road range incident in 2015 which saw him plead guilty to common assault and reckless driving. That moment left not only Paulo’s career but his life at the crossroads.

“Getting arrested in front of my kids and seeing them cry as they watched me get taken away,” Paulo said.

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Junior Paulo has joined the PCYC as a community partnerships ambassador.

“That‘s probably the lowest point in my life. And you know something? I said I’d never be in that position again - knowing how close I was to losing footy all together. It’s definitely been the biggest learning curve.”

There has been other slip-ups, too. Such as being issued a warning by NSW police for consorting with convicted criminals after being pictured with former bikies at Star Casino.

Then there was a third-grade rugby cameo where he tried to disguise himself by wearing headgear - a day after playing an NRL match.

“It was not something that you‘re going to turn in a day or in a week or a month,” Paulo said.

“It certainly took longer than I expected, it took a couple of years. It was more so just being able to focus on one thing at a time. It was just focusing on footy first. I was very fortunate that I still had a job.”

It is why Paulo was the obvious choice to become a PCYC ambassador. Paulo helped launch a partnership between the Eels and the PCYC that will focus on physical activity and mental wellbeing across the club’s catchment areas in western Sydney.

Paulo has opened up on his lowest point, being arrested for a road range incident in 2015.

It is only now Paulo is comfortable with sharing his story.

“With one of the incidents it should‘ve been taken away,” Paulo said.

“But I’m very fortunate and have the understanding of how fortunate I am to be doing what I am today. I made several mistakes before I realised how fortunate I am to be in the position to be doing what I love every day and certainly not taking things for granted.

“I do feel I have come a long way. There’s a lot of ownership on myself, but there‘s a lot of positives to come away from just learning how to live life happy with my own family.”

Paulo’s story is relatable. He grew up in western Sydney and was a near permanent fixture at the PCYC near his school at Ashcroft High. After his brush with the law, Paulo has become one of the game’s best front-rowers – highlighted by his Origin debut last year.

Junior Paulo has been one of the Eels best players for years.

“Growing up it was easy to get into a lot of trouble,” Paulo said.

“These kids growing up now, I have a similar story to.

“All they need is some guidance and an opportunity and now I’m in a position to do that. It‘s not always going to be a smooth road to where you want to go, but it’s all about learning lessons along the way and just being able to learn more about yourself.

“You are obviously going to make mistakes along the way, but mistakes are always going to be lessons to be learned.”

Originally published as NRL 2021: Parramatta’s Junior Paulo opens up 2015 arrest, rise to Eels & Origin star