Former NRL star Steve Michaels arrested over drugs and drink driving allegations

A former NRL star who was one of the last pins to fall in the infamous Gold Coast cross-code cocaine scandal has been arrested on two new charges over alleged incidents that happened six weeks apart.

A former footy star embroiled in the cocaine scandal that rocked the NRL seven years ago has been arrested for alleged drink driving and drug possession offences.

Steve Michaels, who played 119 matches for the Brisbane Broncos and Gold Coast Titans during a 10-year NRL career, was one of the last pins to fall in the infamous cocaine scandal that led to charges against a number of high-profile footballers including code-hopping superstar Karmichael Hunt.

Michaels was already in the UK playing in the British Super League competition by the time the scandal broke on the eve of the 2015 season and was not formally charged with supplying and possessing cocaine until he returned to Australia in late 2017.

He eventually pleaded guilty to five counts of possessing dangerous drugs and three counts of supplying dangerous drugs and was ordered to perform 200 hours of community service.

Now working as a plumber, Michaels, 35, was stopped for a random breath test on June 3 and allegedly returned a low-range drink driving reading of 0.062 at Mermaid Beach on the Gold Coast.

Former Gold Coast Titans NRL player Steve Michaels during an appearance at Southport Magistrates Court in 2018. Picture: Dave Hunt (AAP)

According to police records, Michaels was arrested again on July 22 after his car allegedly rolled backwards into the bonnet of a parked Mercedes-Benz at Mermaid Beach.

Court documents allege he refused to provide a breath sample and was taken to Broadbeach Police Station where a breath analysis allegedly indicated a blood alcohol reading of 0.215.

Officers also allegedly found a small quantity of cocaine in his wallet.

Michaels faced Southport Magistrates Court on Wednesday for a brief mention of the allegations against him with the matters adjourned until late August.

His legal representatives could not be contacted for comment.

Steve Michaels during his NRL days with the Titans. Picture: Adam Head

At one point touted as a future State of Origin star, Michaels enjoyed a successful career in the NRL before linking with UK team Hull where he played a further 47 top flight games over three years.

Michaels was labelled a “middle man” in the infamous cocaine scandal that saw Hunt plead guilty to drug possession while charges against a number of former Titans players were eventually dropped.

During Michaels’ sentencing in 2018, the court was told he was a “middle man” who arranged for about 11.5g of cocaine to be supplied to friends and another 11.5g for his own use between August and October 2014.

Judge David Kent said Michaels had “disappointed a lot of people with these actions”.

“I hope you realise the seriousness of this and the seriousness of the situation,” he said.

The court was told Michaels had been going through a tough time after the death of his father when he committed the 2014 offences.

A young Steve Michaels in full flight for the Broncos.