Union official and ex-NRL player Michael Greenfield busted with cocaine

A former NRL player turned CFMMEU NSW assistant state secretary caught by police with cocaine has pleaded guilty but dodged a conviction, after the magistrate took into account his struggle to deal with a workplace death.

Michael Greenfield leaves the Downing centre after sentencing. Picture: John Grainger

A former NRL star turned senior union official who was caught by police with cocaine has dodged a conviction.

CFMMEU NSW assistant state secretary Michael Greenfield appeared in Downing Centre Local Court on Friday after pleading guilty to one charge of possessing a prohibited drug over the incident outside the exclusive Watson’s Bay Hotel.

Michael Greenfield leaves the Downing Centre after sentencing. Picture: John Grainger

The court heard police caught the 34-year-old with cocaine after they grew suspicious when he briefly got into a Holden Commodore outside the pub on April 13.

Court documents state the cocaine on Greenfield weighed 4.04g, including the weight of two bags.

Defence lawyer Arjun Chhabra pushed for a conditional release order without conviction to be imposed, saying his client, who played 38 first grade games with Cronulla, South Sydney, St George Illawarra and Melbourne, had suffered a “fall from grace” and found himself “on thin ice” at his workplace.

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“He must hang his head in shame because he’s contributed to the wider industry through his personal use,” Mr Chhabra said.

“It was a modest amount and fuelled by a form of escapism because he was dealing with … (the) workplace fatality of a young man.”

Deputy Chief Magistrate Michael Allen accepted Mr Greenfield was remorseful for his actions and “embarrassed not only for his family, but also his employer”.

“This is, sadly, a very prevalent offence in our community,” Mr Allen said.

“This is ostensibly a first-world problem that is a manifestation of the decadence that exists in our community.”

Michael Greenfield playing for St George Illawarra Dragons.

The court was told Mr Greenfield must undergo mandatory drug testing at his work, was co-operative with police and had pleaded guilty at the first opportunity.

He was also given an official warning by his employer and had to undergo counselling.

Mr Allen said it was a “life-changing event”.

“This is conduct that is very sadly engaged in by too many people in our community who should know better,” he said.

Mr Greenfield, son of CFMEU state secretary Darren Greenfield, was sentenced to a two-year conditional release order without conviction.

CFMEU NSW president Rita Mallia supported him in court.

Mr Greenfield previously made headlines when he sued the Australian Rugby League Commission after he suffered a serious injury as a result of a shoulder charge.