Ex-NRL player Jarrod Mullen charged with cocaine supply

A former NRL star has been charged with serious drug supply offences following a police investigation into large-scale drug supply on the state’s mid north coast.

Jarrod Mullen before a game at Hunter Stadium in 2014. Picture: Ashley Feder/Getty Images

• Jarrod Mullen almost dies from drug overdose

A former NRL star has been charged with serious drug supply offences following a police investigation into large-scale drug supply on the state’s mid north coast.

Jarrod Mullen, 32, was arrested at a home in Tarrawanna, near Wollongong, on Wednesday.

It comes after The Daily Telegraph reported in March that the former State of Origin player’s life had spiralled out of control due to drug use.

Former Newcastle Knights rugby league player Jarrod Mullen. Picture: Channel 7

He almost lost his life after a drug overdose at a 40th birthday party in December.

After being discharged, the former Newcastle Knights halfback entered a rehab centre for six weeks before moving to Wollongong.

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In September, police established Strike Force Castlestead to investigate large-scale drug supply in Mullen’s hometown of Newcastle, and Lake Macquarie regions.

Jarrod Mullen in action for the Knights during round three in 2016. Picture: Tony Feder/Getty Images

Officers charged Mullen with three counts of supply indictable quantity of a prohibited drug and supply of a trafficable quantity of a prohibited drug.

Police will allege the drug he was allegedly supplying was cocaine.

He was granted conditional bail to appear at Newcastle Local Court on June 20.

Mullen was once a $1 million-a-year State of Origin star and household name.

He represented the Blues once in State of Origin and played 211 games for the Knights.

Mullen’s downward spiral started in 2017 when he was banned from the NRL for four years after testing positive to using anabolic steroids.

After his near-fatal overdose at a party hosted by Willie Mason’s brother Les last year, the NRL helped arrange Mr Mullen’s treatment in a Sydney rehab centre.

Just weeks after the party Les Mason, a former heavyweight boxer, was arrested and charged with commercial drug supply by Strike Force Castlehead detectives.

Les Mason during his arrest by Strike Force Castlehead detectives last year. Picture: NSW Police

Les Mason during his arrest last year. Picture: NSW Police

Police allege high-profile personal trainer Matthew Pearce, who has links to the Knights, was the principal behind the drug supply scheme.

Both men are fighting the charges.

Officers allegedly uncovered large amounts of cocaine, GHB and cash in a number of houses across Newcastle and Lake Macquarie in raids just before Christmas.

The strike force has arrested 11 people in total.