NRL 2021: Bulldogs prop Ofahiki Ogden charged with cocaine possession

Police have released details about Canterbury forward Ofahiki Ogden’s late night arrest for possession of illegal substances including who he was with.

Bulldogs prop Ofahiki Ogden. Picture: AAP Image/Dan Himbrechts

The NRL’s cocaine hell has continued after Canterbury forward Ofahiki Ogden was charged with possession of a prohibited substance by NSW Police on the eve of the grand final.

The NRL and Canterbury confirmed they were aware of the allegations, which come at the end of a week when the game’s drug policy has come under renewed scrutiny.

“We’re aware that Ofahiki was charged with possession of an illegal substance and the matter is currently with the integrity unit,” Bulldogs chief executive Aaron Warburton said.

“We can’t make any comment other than that.”

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Bulldogs prop Ofahiki Ogden has given the NRL another black eye. Picture: AAP Image/Dan Himbrechts

It is understood Ogden was pulled over by police on Saturday night and allegedly found in possession of cocaine.

NSW police confirmed that officers from the Eastern Suburbs Proactive Crime Team pulled over a Mazda 3 in Waverley at about 9.40pm on Saturday night.

“Police searched the vehicle and the three male occupants aged 23, 24 and 25,” the statement said.

“Police will allege two plastic satchels of white powder were located on the 25-year-old man.

“He was issued with a Field Court Attendance Notice for possession of prohibited drug and is expected to appear in Waverley Local Court.

Investigations are continuing into possible breaches of the Public Health Order.”

“After speaking to him, it is clear he is absolutely ashamed and embarrassed with what has occurred,” Ogden’s manager Luke Lombardi said. “Anybody who knows him, knows that he embodies what it is to be an athlete and this truly is against his character.”

Ofahiki Ogden is off contract in November. Picture: Brett Costello

Ogden is off contract on November 1 and the Bulldogs had already decided to move in a different direction. The club had discussed a two-year contract with Ogden earlier this year but elected not to press ahead with the deal.

Ogden is unlikely to face any immediate sanctions from the NRL given his contract expires on October 31 and his court date isn’t until next month.

However, the NRL confirmed they had the ability to take retrospective action against Ogden should he find a new club and sign a deal for next season.

Over the past seven days the NRL has had to deal with two separate high-profile incidents that have tarnished the code in the lead-up to Sunday night’s grand final between Penrith and South Sydney.

Warriors superstar Reece Walsh was charged by police after he was found in possession of cocaine. Then, in another incident, footage emerged of Melbourne stars Cameron Munster, Brandon Smith and Chris Lewis in a room with a mysterious white powder.

The NRL is expected to hand down sanctions against Walsh and the Storm trio on Tuesday.

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Originally published as NRL 2021: Bulldogs prop Ofahiki Ogden charged with cocaine possession