South Sydney coach Michael Maguire says Kirisome Auva’a has done enough to earn a reprieve from his NRL suspension for domestic violence.

Maguire said the 23-year-old had grown as a person and he was disappointed his appeal for a reduction to his minimum nine-month ban was rejected.

“To see the growth and how he’s improved himself as a person, it’s a real credit and we’re looking forward to seeing him getting out on the field,” the Souths coach said.

“He’s done a lot of community work. He’s been mentor for a lot of young players. I think the story that’s he’s going to be able to tell one day around what he’s been through is going to educate a lot of young men and women as well.”

Auva’a was last year suspended for a minimum of nine months after pleading guilty to recklessly causing injury to his former girlfriend.

He sought a reduction from the NRL but was denied this week and won’t be able to re-apply to have his suspension lifted until July 27.