He might be flying in Melbourne Storm colours these days, but it could have been a very different story for Josh Addo-Carr whose brush with the law five years ago ensured the winger found the right path.

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Having only just linked up with South Sydney’s junior talent development system, the now 22-year-old failed to report to police while on good behaviour for a common assault charge and was subsequently picked up by police.

“I got locked up over night," he revealed on The Locker Room .

"That was probably the worst night of my life.

“I breached my bail and the coppers were there waiting for me. I’ll never forget it.

"That night it changed my life.”

Faced with a freezing cold shower, leftovers for food and a complete lack of freedom, the night behind bars was an awakening experience.

"It’s hard to explain. Just felt rubbish," Addo-Carr said.

"It just wasn’t the person I am.

"That was a huge wake-up call."

Released by Souths as a result of his run in with the law, the Storm star wouldn't give up on his rugby league dream and a year later earned a place in the Sharks U20 side before being poached by the Tigers after two seasons.

After just one year at Leichhardt, Addo-Carr would make his move to the Storm where he'd have a season to remember scoring two tries in Melbourne's grand final win.

A long way away from the night he spent locked behind bars.