Newcastle Knights forward Jermaine McEwen will have to hand his licence over within the next 24 hours after he was caught drink-driving while suspended on his green P-plates.
The 21-year-old second-rower downed five schooners at the Wallsend RSL club in just over an hour and was pulled over by highway patrol police for a random breath test at University Drive on May 22.
Judge Robert Stone gave McEwen a spray before suspending his licence for three months and fining him $4000 at Newcastle Local Court on Monday for breaching a conditional release order, driving while suspended and low-range drink-driving.
"Having extended the hand of leniency on the last occasion, the way that has been regarded by you is as a mere piece of paper," Judge Stone said.
"You think you can do whatever you want, whenever you want, and the court is not having it."
It was McEwen's second time facing Judge Stone, having already been suspended from driving for a previous speeding incident while on his provisional licence just days before Christmas last year.
McEwen's defence solicitor Robert Candelori acknowledged his client was "sailing very close to the wind".
"He was honest with police, he made no excuse or explanation other than to say he made a stupid decision as so often young males of 21 or 22 do," Mr Candelori said.
"Mr McEwen has been disciplined internally by the club and he missed a game due to the last incident.
"He has been kicking goals in his professional sporting life, but that doesn't exempt him from the rules applied to normal citizens on the road."
McEwen was headed east along University Drive at Callaghan in a grey Audi when he was pulled over for a random breath test shortly after 10pm on May 22.
When asked to show his licence, McEwen provided a digital copy on his phone which clearly said 'suspended' on the front.
McEwen was taken to Waratah Police Station for a breath analysis test and returned a reading of 0.051.
People on their green P-plates cannot have any alcohol in their system by law.
Judge Stone said if McEwen chose not to be on his best behaviour, he would "suffer the consequences".
"We as a community expect people to comply with the road rules and if you don't, you take the pain," Judge Stone said.
"If you don't want to do that, and think you can drive whenever you want to drive, you're going to get yourself into serious trouble."
Judge Stone pointed out that McEwen not only represents an NRL team the community holds in high regard, but sets an example for children.
"This is how you're going to behave in front of those children?"
"Let alone your parents who are here and no doubt disappointed. You could have hurt someone."
Judge Stone ordered McEwen to hand his licence in to Service NSW within 24 hours and warned him not to drive suspended again.
"If you disobey, you will be thumbing your nose at a court order and you can imagine how well that will go down, particularly if it comes in front of me," he said.
In a statement released in June, McEwen said he was deeply ashamed of his actions.
"I'm fully aware of the trust the Newcastle Knights have placed in me, and I let the club, my teammates, and everyone who supports this team down," he said.
McEwen was handed a one-match ban from the club when the charges were revealed, which ruled him out of their June 16 clash with the Dragons, and a suspended $5000 fine.
McEwen re-signed with Newcastle earlier this year until the end of the 2028 season.
