Isaiah Latu's road to redemption will take another significant stride forward on Sunday when he runs out for Monaro in their Country Championships semi-final against Central Coast.
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It's a road that looked unlikely to ever be traversed just two years ago, when he was stuck inside the Alexander Maconochie Centre serving time for an assault charge which stemmed from a 2017 drunken night out in Civic.
But it's a journey Latu says is part of his life as 'the new me', which has helped the former Junior Wallaby put those dark days behind him and embrace a new direction.
"I used to go out to Civic every weekend and do whatever I wanted out there ... but there's more to life than just all that gangster shit everyone's seeing these days, it's not me," Latu said.
"I'm still on probation and that with the courts. But I'm just getting on the right track now."
Latu grew up in Queanbeyan and played for the Blues as a junior before excelling at rugby union.
He spent last year at the Whites, but was approached by Blues and Monaro captain-coach Terry Campese over the offseason.
"Everyone deserves a second chance and I see all the qualities he has off the field and that's the reason why I reached out to him," the former Canberra Raiders said.
"If I thought he was a dickhead there's no chance I'd want him involved in anything that we do. He's a good bloke, he gets on with all the players. It's a bit of redemption.
"He can turn things around and he's heading in the right direction, he's done nothing by apply himself to what we're doing right now. Hopefully he can make the next step."
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That next step could be very lucrative.
While Latu is adamant rugby league is purely just a hobby, he has been one of Monaro's key men in their charge towards Sunday's semi-final after switching from centre to lock.
Should they beat Central Coast, Monaro will advance to the final after which a Country representative team will be chosen to play City in May - in front of a host of NSW Cup scouts.
"From there it's open to the NRL which is the next step after that, he's definitely one of the guys that I'd love to see push through," Campese said.
"Every step you get in this comp you have more of a chance to make the Country team. As a local coach and someone that's been there and fulfilled my dreams, that's what I wish for for my players."
SUNDAY: Open Age Men's Country Championships at Seiffert Oval.
Central Coast v Monaro, 12.30pm
Riverina v Illawarra, 2pm