St George Illawarra Dragons star Talatau “Junior” Amone opens up after being lifted from stand-down suspension through no fault of his own

“In those few months there were some tough times I had to go through. I realized how lucky I am with my family around me and that I can live my dream as a career.

“One thing I don’t want to take for granted is playing football and doing what I love. I was grateful to be able to attend the training at all. I didn’t see it as a burden, it was about being able to train and do what I love.”

Amone will return to the reserves this weekend while his good friend Jayden Sullivan got his first crack in the No. 6 jersey against the Titans.

“I grew up with Sully and watched him progress through the lower grades to the first grade,” Amone said. “He trained hard this pre-season, I’m happy for him. There’s healthy competition there and we like that, we talk about that all the time.

“I will do whatever it takes to earn my place on this team. I’m really looking forward to getting back on the football field, showing my best side and showing people my potential and showing how good I can be.

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“I want to do that this year; Show all the people who criticize me and talk down to me that I want to prove them wrong. And I want to say that my family and the people who have stood by me are right.”

Amone’s top-flight lawyer Elias Tabchouri welcomed the NRL’s decision.

“The NRL Integrity Committee should be congratulated for exercising discretion in a manner befitting the case,” Tabchouri said.

“We don’t live in a country where there are mandatory convictions; Each legal case is dealt with on a case-by-case basis. Likewise, discretion should apply in all jurisdictions where penalties are imposed.