Ryan James: Former Shellharbour Sharks star accused of drug supply
Another high-profile player at a regional NSW rugby league club has been charged with drug supply, months after multiple current and former players faced similar charges.
The South Coast News
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A popular rugby league player has been charged with drug supply after an investigation into players at multiple regional NSW clubs.
Former Nowra Bomaderry Jets back-rower Ryan James, 28, has pleaded not guilty to drug supply after he was charged in August with supplying 1g of cocaine in South Nowra.
The matter, which involves exchanges intercepted by police, will not be heard again until October when the former Nowra Bomaderry Jet will defend the charges at a court hearing.
James competed in the prestigious Group Seven competition with the Nowra Bomaderry Jets before moving to the Shellharbour Sharks in 2021.
He is now the third south coast rugby league star to appear before Nowra Local Court in as many months after former Nowra Bomaderry Jets coach Dylan Farrell pleaded not guilty to drugs charges.
The former St George Illawarra Dragon and South Sydney Rabbitoh was charged with participating in a criminal group; knowingly participating in growing cannabis; prohibited drug supply; two counts of driving while suspended; and hindering the discovery of evidence related to a criminal offence and obstructing police.
Farrell pleaded guilty to participating in the cultivation of cannabis and supplying a small quantity of THC gummy bears.
The remaining charges were withdrawn by police.
Fellow ex-Jet Zachary Kershaw was also charged, and pleaded guilty to supplying more than 67g of cocaine and possessing Xanax.
He will be sentenced at Nowra Local Court on March 22.
Both Kershaw and Farrell are currently unable to play rugby league due to NSW Rugby League’s stand down policy for players charged with criminal offences, which apply all the way up to the NRL level.
NSWRL has been contacted for comment about James’ ability to play in their competitions following his charges.
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