NRL star Reece Walsh pleads guilty to cocaine possession and contravening a police move-on direction after wild night on Gold Coast

NRL star Reece Walsh has been fined and placed on a good behaviour bond after pleading guilty to possessing cocaine and contravening a police move-on direction after a wild night out on the Gold Coast.

NRL star Reece Walsh has been placed on a good behaviour bond and fined after pleading guilty to possessing cocaine and contravening a police move-on direction after a wild night out on the Gold Coast.

The 19-year-old New Zealand warriors sensation was arrested in the Surfers Paradise nightclub precinct on September 26 after allegedly disobeying a police direction to move on.

Southport Magistrates Court heard Walsh swore at police and acted in a disorderly manner, arguing and pushing his friends away as they tried to escort him home.

Officers found a small quantity of cocaine on Walsh after taking him back to Surfers Paradise police station.

A tearful Walsh admitted to the conduct at a media conference the following day.

“I was told by officers last night to move on. I didn’t move on which led to me getting arrested and taken back to the police station,” Walsh explained.

Warriors NRL star Reece Walsh arrives at Southport Court on cocaine charges. Picture: NIGEL HALLETT

“Once I got back to the police station I was searched, and I was in possession of a small bag of cocaine which I had some of during the night.

“No one else is involved in this. This is solely on me. I should never have done it. It’s a mistake that I’ve made, and I’m aware of that. I’m remorseful and should never have done it.

“I just want to say sorry to the sponsors, the fans, the Warriors.”

Defence lawyer, Cory Cullen, submitted references including one from NZ Warriors CEO Cameron George and a report from Walsh’s psychologist.

Mr Cullen said Walsh had ‘owned his actions’ at the press conference.

“He’s embarrassed and ashamed of his actions and that remorse was raw and genuine,” he said.

Mr Cullen said Walsh had been fined $5000 by the NRL and copped a two match ban.

He said Walsh had abstained from alcohol since the offence.

Magistrate Ron Kilner told Walsh he had a promising career ‘and it would be a pity to see that spoilt by you taking illicit substances and racking up some sort of criminal history’.

“Hopefully this has been a timely warning and hopefully this is the last we see of it,” he said.

“If you accept the benefits of being a professional footballer, you’ve also got to accept the responsibilities.”

Walsh was fined $400 for the drug possession and placed on a $500 good behaviour bond.

No conviction was recorded.