NRL plans drug-testing blitz during bye rounds in wake of cocaine scandals

THE NRL is planning a saturation blitz of drug tests on more than 160 players during the upcoming bye rounds following the cocaine scandals.

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THE NRL is planning a saturation blitz of drug tests on more than 160 players during the upcoming bye rounds following the cocaine scandals which have rocked the code this week.

Stars at all 16 clubs will be targeted — especially when teams have the bye and players have extra time off to recuperate from the grind of the first three months of the premiership — in an unprecedented crackdown on illicit drugs.

The NRL believes it is during these “leave” periods that players are most at risk of taking illegal substances when they’re going out socially.

It will therefore instruct its drug testing agency to dramatically increase the number of tests over the split rounds.

The NRL will increase drug test for players during bye rounds.

“If players try to use these bye rounds to take illegal substances they can expect to be caught,” one NRL insider said.

It was during a similar Mad Monday crackdown last year that Sharks star Ben Barba was caught for cocaine use that forced him out of the game.

News of the drug testing blitz came after the Daily Telegraph revealed the Cronulla Sharks and the Sydney Roosters have lost more than $1 million in sponsorship in an expensive wash-up to the cocaine scandal.

Infinity Group Australia has informed the management of both clubs that it is withdrawing its support because of its brand being associated with damaging publicity.

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NRL CEO Todd Greenberg said he was disappointed to lose any sponsor from the game.

“I have always said that there are consequences from people making poor choices and, in this case, they have impacted financially on the clubs as well,” he said.

“It’s a reminder to everyone in the game that we need to portray our sport in the best possible light both on and off the field.”

The Sharks have been rocked by chairman Damian Keogh’s alleged possession of cocaine and the Roosters by Shaun Kenny-Dowall facing similar charges.

Shaun Kenny-Dowall future is yet to be determined. Photo: Gregg Porteous

Infinity is a sponsor on the back of the Sharks jersey and was to spend $500,000 over the next two years.

“I don’t want to comment in relation to Infinity but I respect the rights of any corporate partner to make such a decision,” said Sharks CEO Lyall Gorman

“Equally, we are incredibly grateful for the commitment and overwhelming support expressed to us over the past few days by our corporate family.”

The Sharks also had a Holden Cup player Jesse Savage charged with drug possession last weekend.

Also the management of Cronulla’s new major sponsor Opal Solar has called for a meeting this week to discuss the crisis with Gorman.

Rami Fedda, the co-founder of Opal Solar, told the Daily Telegraph his company would stand by the Sharks “at this stage”.

“We want to have discussions with the Sharks later this week,” he said. “Obviously it’s not a good look. The old saying any publicity is good publicity is not right.

“At the moment you could say we’re not pulling the pin. They have kept us in the loop from last weekend and updated us with all the developments.”

Ben Barba got caught out after a Mad Monday binge. Photo: Mark Evans

Infinity also sponsors the Roosters for around $150,000 with goalpost and cornerpost signage in a two-year deal. The Roosters are understood to be considering legal action.

The boss of Infinity Graeme Holm did not return phone calls or emails on Wednesday.

Infinity used to sponsor the Parramatta Eels but pulled out over the club’s salary cap scandal.