The family tragedy that led to former NRL player Shane Dunley sentenced for threatening to kill a pub worker during drunken brawl

A Sydney Magistrate has taken into consideration the significant 'grief and anger' that led to a former NRL star threatening to kill a pub worker and clashing with police.

Ex-NRL star Shane Dunley played 70 first grade matches for Balmain Tigers, Northern Eagles, Parramatta Eels, and Manly Warringah Sea Eagles between 2004-07.

He pleaded guilty to common assault, intimidation, and hinder or resist police officer in the execution of duty on Th ursday at Sutherland Local Court on Thursday.

The charges came after an incident at Club Central Menai in southwest Sydney on March 10 where the 48-year-old attacked one worker and threatened to kill another after he was ejected from the venue.

The court heard Dunley had gone to the venue for a meal when a patron asked him about his brother Wayde, a once-promising rugby league player who tragically died in 2017.

Wayde, 28, died after a fall at Big Marley Beach where he had been attempting rock fishing. He was airlifted to St George Hospital in critical condition but later died from a fatal head injury.

The former Wests Tigers NYC Player of the Year had a successful rugby career contributing to two Sydney Shield Premierships with East Campbelltown and is survived by his wife, Chelsea and their daughter, Koa.

House Rules host Johanna Griggs was left in tears after learning he had died just one day after the couple had sent in an audition tape for the reality television show.

At the time Shane had posted a heartbreaking photo of the siblings with the caption: 'brothers, best friends'.

During the trial, the court heard accounts of Dunley's behaviour on the night of the incident, where his aggression escalated to threats of serious harm.

Dunley became 'extremely emotional and angry' after excessive drinking at the pub.

The court documents described how Dunley attempted to initiate a confrontation with a security guard as he was being escorted out.

News Corp has reported that in a fit of rage, he charged at a staff member, issuing threats such as, 'I'll f***ing kill you c***. I'll cave your head in. I'll stab you and kill your whole family. You're a dead man walking.'

Despite being asked to leave, Dunley responded defiantly, saying, 'alright bring out your biggest bloke and I'll go them, I'll go anyone.'

The situation escalated further when Dunley headbutted another staff member and provocatively asked, 'do you want some?'

Dunley and an alleged co-accused were stopped by police shortly after leaving the pub. It is claimed that the pair confessed to switching seats so that Dunley would appear as the passenger when they were pulled over.

Both were arrested and taken to Sutherland Police Station, where Dunley registered a blood alcohol level of 0.158, more than three times the legal limit.

During Thursday's court session, Dunley's lawyer, Wayne Pasterfield, highlighted the impact of Dunley's brother's death, stating that 'ever since then (Dunley) has harbored this grief and pent-up emotion.'

'The defendant and his brother were extremely close, more like best mates,' he said.

'Losing a brother in such tragic circumstances would have a very disastrous affect on most people in the community, and coupled with alcohol, it's a recipe for disaster.'

'Perhaps he let his grief get away from him,' Magistrate Philip Stewart said.

The Magistrate dismissed the charge of hindering police against Dunley but found him guilty of common assault and intimidation. Dunley was sentenced to a 12-month community corrections order and fined $400.