Former NRL star Craig Field has spoken candidly about his time in prison after being convicted of manslaughter for a fatal one-punch attack in 2012. The incident occurred in the car park of a pub in Kingscliff, New South Wales, and left a man dead.
Field, once a celebrated rugby league player, reflected on the consequences of his actions and the impact it had on his life and the victim's family. "It's something I'll regret for the rest of my life," he admitted.
The Tragic Night That Changed Everything
On the night of the incident, Field was involved in a violent altercation that escalated quickly. A single punch led to the victim's death, and Field was subsequently sentenced to jail.
"I never intended for things to go that far," Field said. "It was a moment of anger that cost someone their life."
Life Behind Bars
Field described his time in prison as a humbling experience. "You lose everything—your freedom, your reputation, your career," he shared. "But the hardest part is knowing you took a life."
He also spoke about the importance of taking responsibility for his actions and the lessons he learned during his incarceration.
Moving Forward
Since his release, Field has been working to rebuild his life and make amends. He hopes his story will serve as a cautionary tale about the dangers of violence.
"I want people to think before they act," he said. "One punch can destroy lives—not just the victim's, but your own too."
