Former NRL star Chris Sandow has dodged a conviction over a New Year's Day brawl on the condition he become an anti-violence spokesman.
Sandow was captured on video fighting in a street in Cherbourg, Queensland, in defence of his non-blood related "brother", who was allegedly threatened by other men the night before.
The 28-year-old former Parramatta and South Sydney player was fined $300 after pleading guilty to a public nuisance charge in the Murgon Magistrates Court on Tuesday.
Sandow avoided a conviction after he agreed to magistrate Andrew Hackett's unorthodox request that he become a community spokesman for conflict resolution in Cherbourg, stating he had the potential to be the next Johnathan Thurston.
"You hold a position in the community of pre-eminence," Hackett said.
News that makes sense
Your trusted source for staying up-to-date with the world around you. Get free daily news updates and analysis, straight to your inbox.
"I think you are a leader, leaders lead - fighting is not leading.
"Don't just play for yourself, it's what JT (Johnathan Thurston) does."
Sandow spent the next 40 minutes hiding inside court and declined an invitation to comment on the magistrate's gesture.
He could also be seen pretending to leave and taking photos of waiting media.
The fallen halfback then fled out a back door and drove his black sedan past the media who were still waiting out front and blasting the horn.
Sandow returned to Australia last year after quitting his English Super League club Warrington because he was homesick.
Wolves coach Tony Smith labelled Sandow "a pain" following his departure.
