Brisbane Broncos targets in alleged cocaine extortion bid

THE NRL has been hit by another extortion scandal, with a Sydney pub patron attempting to sell what the person claims is footage of a Broncos player allegedly using cocaine.

Darius Boyd of Brisbane during the NRL match between the Brisbane Broncos and Melbourne Storm. Pic Darren England

THE NRL has been hit by another extortion scandal, with a Sydney pub patron asking for $70,000 to sell what they claim is footage of a Broncos player allegedly using cocaine.

The NRL integrity unit has contacted the Broncos after being made aware of an allegation one of the club’s players may have used an illicit substance at a Sydney establishment three weeks ago.

The Broncos have vehemently denied the allegation, which comes just days after a sex tape involving Parramatta playmaker Corey Norman was shopped around for $150,000.

An NRL spokesman yesterday confirmed integrity unit boss Nick Weeks is aware of the alleged incident.

The player’s name is doing the rounds in the NRL, but at this stage, no formal investigation is underway.

“We are aware of the alleged footage,” the spokesman said.

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“We’ve checked it out with the club involved, they say there is nothing to report so we’ll leave it at that for the moment.”

Broncos chief executive Paul White declined to comment.

It can be revealed a Sydney man has contacted at least two media outlets in the past week offering to sell footage of what he claims is a Broncos player snorting cocaine.

The Sunday Mail is aware of the player’s identity, but has chosen not to publish it.

The video footage lasts approximately eight seconds. The pub patron who filmed the vision can be heard making threats to sell the footage to media outlets.

In the footage, the person alleged to be the player urges the patron against an extortion attempt, adding: “It will ruin my career”.

The alleged incident is claimed to have taken place after Brisbane’s clash against the Bulldogs in Sydney on June 25. The Broncos were beaten 40-14 by the Bulldogs before being thrashed 48-6 by the Storm at Suncorp Stadium six days later.

A well-placed source said: “The footage is very grainy and unclear and it’s hard to identify who it may be.

“The NRL integrity unit are aware of it. Whoever has got the footage has been stirring this up and trying to sell it.

“It’s another warning to NRL players to be aware of their conduct at all times.”

The extortion bid comes in the week in which Norman, who made his NRL debut for the Broncos in 2010, was rocked by a sex-tape scandal.

Reports claimed the Maroons Origin hopeful did nothing illegal but the Eels have been asked to submit a report to the NRL integrity unit.