Former NRL star Brett Finch has pleaded guilty to sending child abuse material using an adult phone chat service.
Finch was one of eight men arrested in late 2021 as part of investigations into an alleged child abuse material ring.
The former State of Origin halfback pleaded guilty to one count of using a carriage service to transmit or publish child abuse material, while a further six charges were withdrawn by prosecutors.
Finch sat emotionless as he fronted Sydney's Downing Centre Local court on Tuesday morning.
His lawyer, Paul McGirr, told reporters outside court his client was seeking treatment for mental health issues.
"We just ask that everyone remember that there [are] mental health issues in play and we have to respect that at this stage," he said.
Finch retired from the NRL at the end of the 2013 season after 330 games for the Raiders, Roosters, Storm and Wigan Warriors, after making his debut in 1999.
Detectives raided Finch's San Souci home in December 2021, arresting him and seizing a mobile phone for forensic examination.
At the time, police alleged members of the ring "expressed desires to engage [in] sexual activities with children" on an adult phone chat service.
NSW Police's child abuse and sex crimes squad established Strike Force Hank to probe the alleged activities of men using the chat service.
Finch will remain on bail, and face court again in September.
