Former Parramatta prop Aukuso Junior Paulo has been sentenced to 17 years in prison, with a non-parole period of 11 years and 4 months for a million-dollar drug deal gone wrong in 2017.

The 36-year old attended Downing Centre District Court on Monday and was convicted of several crimes, including possession of guns, proceeds of crime and having a commercial supply of drugs.

The Daily Telegraph reported that the court heard that Paulo and his co-offender were arrested by an undercover police officer at Centennial Park in December 2017, who was there to arrange a purchase of 900 kg of cocaine worth $180 million from someone called "Peking Duck"

Judge Anthony Townsend believed Paulo and his co-offender both had smaller roles than 'Peking Duck' but still held responsibility for their crimes.

โ€œIn the present case, the amount of drugs to be received was very significant and was for financial gain,โ€ he said.

โ€œEach of the offenders played a central role in arranging to take receipt of the drug.โ€

He will be eligible for parole in 2029

Paulo played 17 games for Parramatta in 2007 and 2008 and also previously represented the United States internationally.