Former New Zealand football player Russell Packer could be released from jail next January after his sentence for a violent assault was reduced.
A Sydney judge has also urged the former Warriors prop to use his battle with alcohol to be an ambassador to others struggling with substance abuse.
"I see that potential in you, sir," Downing Centre District Court Judge Chris Hoy said on Friday.
Packer was with mates for a night out in Sydney's CBD in November 2013, when he got into a fight with a man after being kicked out of a hotel.
Packer punched the man and stomped on his head as he lay on the ground.
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Packer, who moved to Australia to pursue a career with the Newcastle Knights, was jailed for two years in January for the assault.
Following an appeal, Judge Hoy on Friday overturned the father-of-two's sentence as it was too severe.
Packer was re-sentenced to two years behind bars but with a 12 month non-parole period.
The 24-year-old will now be eligible for parole in January 2015.
Judge Hoy also found there were special circumstances, because of the New Zealand national's youth, absence of any criminal record, remorse and strong rehabilitation prospects.
He said Packer had a dysfunctional background, including alcohol, violence and abuse.
He also indulged in binge-drinking, including consuming up to 18 drinks per session as a 12-year-old, the court heard.
In his appeal, Packer submitted that he was punched first and repeated the claim to a probation officer and psychiatrist.
"It may well be that he was struck first but it's clear that his violent and ongoing response was excessive," Judge Hoy said.
Judge Hoy said Packer stomped on the victim's head in a "executionary way" and labelled the attack cowardly.
Packer's partner and mother of his children, Lara, was in court alongside family as his appeal was granted.
The court heard Packer was liable to have his visa cancelled and be deported if he had a jail term more than 12 months.
Judge Hoy also paved the way for Packer to undergo rehabilitation and said he could be a good role model.
Packer's defence barrister, Greg James QC, said he hoped to play football again.
"Whether he ever will or not, he certainly hopes to," he told reporters outside court.
Packer's contract with the Newcastle Knights was terminated earlier this year.
