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The NRL career of Talatau ‘Junior’ Amone is in severe limbo, with the Dragons young gun officially deregistered from the competition.
Earlier this month, the 21-year-old was found guilty for his role in a rooftop hammer attack on a Wollongong tradie in December 2022.
The Dragons No.6 narrowly avoided jail time, and was sentenced to a two-year intensive corrections order and 300 hours of community service.
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Amone was contracted with St George-Illawarra until the end of next season, but will now have his $500,000 deal torn up after opting not to appeal the NRL’s breach notice.
At this stage, there has been no timeframe set for Amone’s potential return to first grade, but to do so would first require clearance from the NRL.
But Amone told 9News he maintained his innocence, and his legal team were considering an appeal.
“You’ve gotta take these bumps and tribulations in life, and it’s how you come back from it,” he said.
“The things I’ve had to go through, I feel like it’s made me a stronger man. If it doesn’t break you, it’ll make you stronger. It’s mentally strengthened me I guess.”
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His deregistration leaves the Dragons without one of their brightest young stars and first-choice No.6, with the local junior one of the rare shining lights for the embattled club in recent seasons.
Jayden Sullivan has departed after signing with the Wests Tigers, while the speculation regarding the future of Ben Hunt continues to roll on despite the captain’s recent assurances.
Warriors pivot Ronald Volkman is set to join the Red V next year, while Kyle Flanagan will join his father Shane at the club after signed a two-year agreement.
Amone said he still holds onto the dream of playing in the NRL and has already taken steps to achieve it.
He has begun working with renowned sprint coach Roger Fabri, who has also been coaching Bronson Xerri, who will make his first grade return with the Bulldogs in 2024 after a four-year drugs ban.
“Roger, he’s there for me on and off the field, I’m very grateful for him,” Amone said.
“I’ve had good talks with Bronson and he’s just told me to keep my head up. As long as I keep training, my mind will be set on footy and I’ll be getting better each and every day.”
“(Playing in the NRL) wasn’t a job for me, it was a dream. I was living out my dream every day.
“To get that back, I’ll do whatever it takes.”
— With Liam O’Loughlin
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