The 40-year-old appeared in Sydney’s Downing Centre Local Court on Tuesday, when he entered the plea to one charge of using a carriage service to transmit, publish or promote abusive material.

Six other similar charges were withdrawn.

Finch was arrested in December 2021 and accused of being involved in a telephone chat line where police allege men discussed sexually abusing children and swapped material depicting abuse.

Bail is continued for Finch ahead of sentencing in the District Court in September.

Finch played three State of Origins for NSW in an NRL career that also included three grand finals.

He won a premiership with Melbourne in 2009, but his crowning moment came in the 2006 Origin opener when he kicked a match-winning field goal for the Blues.

However, his post-football life has been dogged by mental health issues and time in rehab, with Finch publicly speaking about his drug use and battles with addiction.

Outside court on Tuesday, his lawyer Paul McGirr referred to Finch’s mental health issues in his case.

“It is explainable to the position he was in at that stage, as opposed to the position he’s in now receiving ongoing treatment for his mental health,” McGirr told AAP.

He added that the police investigation had not revolved around Finch.

“He doesn’t know any of the co-accused or they never communicated.”