Junior Amone avoids jail for hammer attack: What sentencing means for Dragons, NRL

Dragons young gun Junior Amone won’t go to jail despite being found guilty of a hammer attack. But he still faces sanctions from the NRL and Dragons.

St George Illawarra and the NRL have started urgent discussions to determine the “appropriate” action against rising Dragons star Junior Amone, found guilty of a vicious hammer attack.

Amone avoided prison on Monday after being found guilty of arming himself with a hammer and chasing a tradesman off a roof during a heated dispute.

The 21-year-old was sentenced to a two-year Intensive Corrections Order, which is a term of imprisonment to be served in the community.

Amone’s father, Talatau, was sentenced for two-and-a-half years in jail with a non-parole period of 12 months.

An NRL spokesman said: “The NRL Integrity Unit will now review the proceedings in the Wollongong Local Court following the sentencing of Dragons player, Junior Talatau Amone.”

There is little doubt the NRL will impose heavy sanctions on Amone, most likely a hefty suspension and fine.

The possibility of being deregistered could also be discussed for Amone, who still has two years remaining on his Dragons contract.

St George Illawarra released a statement moments after Amone was sentenced which read: “The Dragons acknowledge the two-year Intensive Corrections Order that was handed down to player Talatau Amone today.

“The club will now work closely with the NRL Integrity Unit to determine the appropriate next steps. An update will be provided once this process has been completed.”

Talatau Amone (left) before sentencing. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Simon Bullard

Magistrate Gabriel Fleming described the NRL player’s conduct as “appalling”.

“You armed yourself with a hammer, the victims were vulnerable, the victim was up on a roof, there was nowhere to go,” she said.

Ms Fleming told the court it was a “tragedy” the conviction is affecting Amone’s playing career and finances, as he supports his family in Australia and overseas.

“I think it is a tragedy, this could jeopardise your entire future in the profession you love,” she said. “It is your tragedy not mine.”

Amone represented Tonga at last year’s World Cup in England. St George Illawarra will start next season with Ben Hunt and Kyle Flanagan in their halves.

Former NSW utility Jack Bird could be another halves option.

Junior Amone and his father Talatau Amone were found guilty in October at Wollongong Local Court of a string of charges, including assault, relating to an incident outside their family home in Warrawong in November 2024.

Talatau Amone pleaded not guilty to damaging property, intimidation, entering a building or land with the intention to commit an indictable offence and assault occasioning actual bodily harm.

The pair entered court on Monday morning flanked by family members and supporters. When asked whether they were prepared for the worst, lawyer Elias Tabchouri said the father and son were “prepared for anything”.

Fleming individually sentenced the father and son for their roles during the heated confrontation. Both men were fined $1000 each for damaging a car, and will have to pay their share of $13,481 in compensation.

Originally published as Junior Amone avoids jail for hammer attack: What sentencing means for Dragons, NRL