NRL drugs test blitz revealed positive results for illicit drugs

AN NRL drugs test blitz has revealed players tested positive to recreational drugs, but are protected by the code’s illicit substance policy.

A NUMBER of NRL players tested positive for recreational drugs when the league carried out secret off-season testing.

It has been reported players were targeted for testing by the NRL’s independent third party testing agency immediately following their “Mad Monday” post-season celebrations in September.

Channel 7’s Josh Massoud and Liam Cox have reported a number of players have been issued a first strike against their record within the NRL’s Illicit and Hazardous Drug Testing Policy.

It follows bombshell revelations in the AFL that up to 11 Collingwood players tested positive to illicit drugs during off-season testing, as revealed by the Herald Sun.

The report also claimed several other AFL clubs recorded similar numbers of players testing positive to illicit drugs, however none of those players received a strike under the AFL Illicit Drugs Policy because of the terms negotiated by the AFL Players’ Association for off-season hair testing to be conducted.

The NRL’s recreational drugs testing system also demands the identity of all players issued with a first strike be kept secret.

The NRL has previously refused to provide any evidence or statistical data surrounding its illicit drugs testing regime or the number of positive results returned.

“It would be naive to dismiss the prospect of similar results in rugby league, should the code follow suit and adopt hair testing,” Channel 7 reported.

“We’ve been told there were a number of positive results across the NRL last September. Several well-placed sources have confirmed the NRL ordered a blitz of clubs in the immediate aftermath of their individual Mad Monday celebrations.

The prize.

“Let’s say the results exceeded expectations; notwithstanding the fact this was a highly co-ordinated manoeuvre, but there was one discrepancy. After three weeks, news of crackdown was leaked to The Australian. At that point in time four clubs — the Roosters, Storm, Cowboys and Broncos — were still competing.”

The 12 clubs already eliminated from the 2015 NRL premiership have expressed concern those four clubs were warned about the testing blitz and may have recorded a lower number of positive results.

Under the NRL’s recreational drugs policy, a player would be suspended for 12 matches if a second positive test result is recorded.

“Players found to be using illicit drugs have immediate access to professional support and treatment to overcome the potential effects on their health,” the NRL’s Illicit and Hazardous Drug Testing Policy states.

“A first positive test results in the player receiving a suspended fine, and they must undertake a mandatory treatment program. The player is also placed on a monitoring program which involves targeted testing.

“Players who record a second contravention will serve a 12-match ban, the prospect of contract termination and further treatment and monitoring. Third time offenders would be referred to the CEO or Chief Operating Officer of the NRL for them to determine an appropriate sanction.”

It comes after South Sydney pair Aaron Gray and Dylan Walker (now at Manly) were hospitalised in September for overdosing on prescription pain medication that was not prescribed to them.

Originally published as NRL drugs test blitz revealed positive results for illicit drugs