AdminSteve Renouf Pleads Guilty to High-Range Drink Driving While Nearly Four Times Legal Limit
Former Brisbane Broncos rugby league legend Steve Renouf has pleaded guilty to high-range drink driving, after being caught behind the wheel with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) nearly four times the legal limit. The 54-year-old appeared in the Brisbane Magistrates Court on Tuesday, July 16, where he admitted to driving under the influence with a BAC of 0.197 — well above Queensland’s legal limit of 0.05.
The incident occurred on the evening of July 1, when police intercepted Renouf’s vehicle in Red Hill during a routine traffic stop around 10:45pm. Officers reported that Renouf was visibly intoxicated, unsteady on his feet, slurring his speech, and struggling to present identification. He reportedly dropped items from his pockets and confessed to police at the scene, saying, “You’ve got me, I’m drunk.”
Police noted that Renouf appeared to be experiencing a hypoglycaemic episode related to his type 1 diabetes, a condition he has managed since his playing days. Officers gave him jelly beans to help stabilise his blood sugar and called his partner for medical advice before he was transported to the watchhouse for further processing.
In court, Renouf’s legal representative, Angelo Venardos, described the incident as an “aberration” in an otherwise law-abiding life. He presented several character references, including one from legendary Broncos coach Wayne Bennett, attesting to Renouf’s exemplary contributions to the community and his clean criminal record. The court was told that Renouf had never previously been charged with any traffic or criminal offences.
Mr Venardos emphasised that a recorded conviction could seriously impact Renouf’s ability to travel overseas for professional commitments, including roles in mentoring, media, and community advocacy. Renouf is well known for his work with Indigenous youth and diabetes awareness campaigns and is regarded as a role model in both sporting and cultural circles.
Magistrate Suzette Coates acknowledged Renouf’s remorse, cooperation with police, and history of community service. She imposed a fine of $1,200 and disqualified him from driving for 11 months. Importantly, no conviction was recorded, sparing Renouf from the ongoing consequences a criminal conviction can carry — especially in relation to international travel.
Outside court, Renouf gave a brief statement to the media, expressing his deep regret and describing the experience as “humbling.” “This was a serious mistake — one I take full responsibility for,” he said. “I’m ashamed and embarrassed, particularly because of the people who look up to me. I should have known better.”
Renouf also stated that he would be seeking medical advice regarding his alcohol intake, especially in the context of managing his diabetes. While he does not believe he has a drinking problem, he admitted that the incident had forced him to re-evaluate the role of alcohol in his life. “I’m not proud of what I did. I let a lot of people down — including myself,” he said.
Renouf played 183 games for the Brisbane Broncos between 1989 and 1999, winning four premierships and representing both Queensland in State of Origin and Australia at the international level. Known as “The Pearl,” he is regarded as one of the most talented centres to have played the game and was named in the Indigenous Team of the Century in 2008.
His fall from grace serves as a sobering reminder that no one is above the law. Yet the court’s decision to spare him a conviction reflects the strength of his prior conduct and the belief that this was an isolated lapse in judgement. Renouf now faces the long road of rebuilding trust and continuing to contribute to the community that once cheered him on from the stands.
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