NRL reveals it conducted 2000 drug tests last year but disgraced Wests Tiger star Tim Simona slipped through the cracks

CONCERNED at damaging drug allegations, the NRL has revealed it conducted 2000 drug tests during 2016 - almost 40 a day - yet former Wests Tigers centre Tim Simona slipped through the cracks.

Former Wests Tigers player Tim Simona.

CONCERNED at damaging drug allegations, the NRL on Sunday night revealed it conducted 2000 drug tests during 2016 - almost 40 a day - yet former Wests Tigers centre Tim Simona slipped through the cracks.

And The Daily Telegraph can also reveal the Tigers are refusing to launch a full investigation into Simona’s explosive claims in The Sunday Telegraph that have implicated former teammates in allegations of widespread drug use.

Simona, who has been deregistered by the NRL, admitted he regularly “snorted” cocaine over the past three years but never returned a positive to ASADA or the NRL.

Pressed on how Simona avoided detection, an NRL spokesman said: “We conduct random and targeted testing throughout the season and the number of tests has increased since 2015. We conducted more than 2000 tests through 2016.

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“Any player using illicit drugs is not only putting their health at risk but is also putting their career at risk.”

Simona stunned rugby league by revealing he first took drugs on a club boat cruise three years ago with “six or seven” teammates.

Tim Simona never failed a drug test despite admitting at the weekend he was regular cocaine user.

“We went to the toilets, and just snort a line pretty much. That was the first time I had ever touched drugs. From then on every time I would go out, I would start using it,” he said. “Actually I’d been tested quite a few times, and obviously I knew when to take it. In the rep round when we had the weekend off I would take it or if there was a long turn around between games. I would take it on a Friday so by Monday I think it would be out of my system.”

A journalist repeatedly asked Wests Tigers coach Jason Taylor and skipper Aaron Woods questions about Simona during yesterday’s testy post-match press conference following Wests’ 36-2 loss to Penrith at Campbelltown.

“I just want to talk about today’s game. I’ve got some comments to make about that situation but I don’t want to make those comments today,” Taylor said.

Asked did the story affect Wests Tigers’ meek performance, Taylor said: “Not sure.”

When pushed again about Simona, Taylor fired back: “I’ve clearly said I will comment about it in the next couple of days. You can ask another 10 questions if you like but we aren’t going to answer them.”

When prodded yet again, Woods told the reporter: “Brother, I’m not answering the questions.”

Then asked whether Simona deserved another chance, Taylor said to Woods: “Let’s go.”

Despite Simona’s stunning admission, Tigers chief executive Justin Pascoe has opted against an investigation.

NRL boss Todd Greenberg.

“It is an allegation that is made by a player that is no longer with us,” Pascoe said.

“I don’t know if the players he is referencing are still a part of the club. I am very comfortable that as we sit today there is not a drug problem.

“I can’t comment on three years ago but this group of players are very aware of the responsibilities that they have as elite athletes and especially representing our brand 24 hours a day, seven days a week.”

Asked if he would look into Simona’s claims, Pascoe said: “It is history now. We have invested a lot of time and effort into resourcing our wellbeing and welfare and education part of the business.”

Former international Gorden Tallis took a swipe at Simona’s drug allegations.

“I think the game’s drug policy works — it’s easy for him (Simona) to say it now,” Tallis told The Daily Telegraph. “He has lost all credibility. Maybe he is just dirty on the game. Players know if you gamble, you get life, if you take drugs, you are going to be kicked out of the game. It’s as simple as that.”

Perhaps speaking for all 16 club chief executives, Gold Coast boss Graham Annesley said his club would never sign Simona.

“It would be very hard to see him re-registered,” Annesley told Triple M. “While I’m at this club and the culture we are trying to build here, that (signing Simona) wouldn’t be an option for us.”