Banned star Jarrod Mullen tells Newcastle Knights teammates not to be distracted by drugs drama
SUSPENDED playmaker Jarrod Mullen has urged Knights teammates not to let his potential drug ban affect the club’s efforts to get out of the NRL cellar.
SUSPENDED playmaker Jarrod Mullen has urged teammates not to let his potential drug ban affect Newcastle’s efforts to drag themselves out of the NRL cellar in 2017.
The playing career of the 13-season veteran is in limbo after he tested positive to an anabolic steroid Drostanolone following a routine test in November.
He is waiting on the results of his B sample from ASADA before learning his fate with the prospect of a four-year ban hanging over his head.
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Despite his personal issues, Mullen has reached out to teammates through his close friend, Knights captain Trent Hodkinson.
“He hasn’t been around the boys but we have been chatting a bit and he asked me to pass on to the boys that he is going okay and to make sure there are no hiccups and to not let his circumstances become a distraction.
“Obviously, when I first heard it, it came as a shock and the first thought process was the wellbeing of Jarrod and how he handles it.
“You just want to make sure he is going all right and he seems like he is.
“Hopefully for Jarrod, he can just get it all sorted and move forward. It will be good to eventually get him down and around the boys a bit. I’m sure that will help him as well.”
While Mullen’s absence is certain to heap more pressure on Hodkinson this season, the former Blues halfback claims he is feeling the best he has felt in more than two years after battling a chronic knee problem in his first year at the Knights.
His form mirrored that of the team and he openly admits he struggled with self-doubt.
But a more tailored off-season training regime that has drastically reduced his workloads has left him excited about the season ahead.
“I’m my own worst critic and I wasn’t where I wanted to be last season,” he said.
“Little things play on your mind and to be honest, I probably doubted myself and that can snowball.
“If you ask any athlete, as soon as it creeps in, you’re in trouble.
“But physically and mentally, I’m in a far better mindset and feeling really confident and excited about what’s ahead this season.
“Last year, I didn’t want to be the new guy coming and sitting on the sidelines and not being part of the group so I felt a bit obliged to do all the training which wasn’t the smart thing to do.
“This year, we have worked out a good program — I’ve really gone back to basics and have been a lot smarter with the work I’ve done in the pre-season.
“I’m now feeling really good about where I am and where the body is.”
Originally published as Banned star Jarrod Mullen tells Newcastle Knights teammates not to be distracted by drugs drama