Ex-NRL player avoids criminal conviction

Former rugby league player Justin Horo has avoided a criminal conviction after pleading guilty to cocaine possession.

The ex-Manly Sea Eagles and Parramatta Eels player was given a conditional release order for 12 months in Sydney's Local Court where he appeared on Monday.

After pleading guilty to possessing a prohibited drug the 34-year-old was subject to conditions whereby he must not commit any offences in the next year, and has to appear before court if he is called upon.