FORMER South Sydney Rabbitohs captain Craig Field has been sentenced to 10 years in prison after he was found guilty of manslaughter in the fatal one punch death of north coast cattle farmer Kelvin Kane.

Field – who celebrated his 42nd birthday in a correctional centre last week – looked dejected as the sentence was read out at the Lismore court complex this afternoon. His family broke down when the sentence was read out.

Justice Elizabeth Fullerton said Field would serve a non parole sentence of 7 years and six months for his role in the death of Mr Kane, who was fatally punched during a car park brawl at the Kingscliff Hotel on July 15, 2012.

Field lodged a last-minute reference from media heavyweight Alan Jones – a former mentor of his at the Rabbitohs who described him as “enthusiastic, passionate and decent”.

Justice Fullerton said the community demanded a “general deterrence” for “unprovoked, uncontrollable, lethal violence”

Outside court, Mr Kane’s children Georgina and Bradley spoke briefly and said it was a “relief that the trial was over”.

“No amount of time is ever going to bring dad back,” Georgina said.

Bradley described his dad as a “great man”.

Mr Kane’s ex-wife Tracy said she hoped the sentence would be a deterrence for others.

“Hopefully the society will learn from it,” Ms Kane said.

“You can’t go out into society and do what’s been done.”

Justice Fullerton had earlier heard from Georgina who said she was “living a nightmare”.

Mr Kane’s partner Sue-Ellen Harlow described the 50-year-old as a “wonderful, loving and unique man”.

Field was cleared of murder by a jury last week but found guilty of manslaughter for his role in Mr Kane’s death.

High-profile Sydney barrister Tony Bellanto had urged Justice Fullerton to consider an intensive correction order or suspended sentence which she rejected.

Justice Fullerton said after Mr Kane fell to the ground Field left the pub without checking on him and has never shown remorse for his actions.

Field – who had a controversial NRL career at Souths, Manly and the Wests Tigers - had claimed he was the peacemaker and had not thrown the fatal punch.

Mr Kane had been sticking up for a female friend who was being verbally abused by Field’s friend Shaun “Feathers” Fathers.

Justice Fullerton said before receiving the fatal blow, Mr Kane had retreated, put his hands up and told Fathers he did not want to fight him.