Knights CEO denies claims current players were with Mullen at party

Newcastle Knights CEO Phil Gardner has dismissed claims any current players were at a party where former halfback Jarrod Mullen overdosed on drugs and nearly died.

• Jarrod Mullen almost dies from drug overdose

Newcastle Knights chief executive Phil Gardner is adamant no current players were at the party the night former halfback Jarrod Mullen suffered a drug overdose and almost died.

The Knights boss came out yesterday to support the troubled fallen rugby league star, who has come under suspicions he could be linked to a drug supply ring in the Hunter.

The Daily Telegraph revealed on Monday that Mullen had overdosed at a 40th birthday party last December and spent two days in intensive care before heading to a rehab facility for six week.

Gardner said Mullen had actually overdosed at home after the party, where he was found by family members.

Jarrod Mullen almost died in December after a drug overdose. Picture: Getty Images

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“This tragedy probably has a few more acts to play out before it’s finished,” Gardner said.

“And there’s a range of things that have been said in relation to a particular person’s birthday party and Knights players being at that party.

“To the best of my knowledge, none of our top 36 were at any of those parties.

“He was found at home by his family. I can only say to you again, what a tragedy for the family.”

It is understood some of Mullen’s former teammates have reached out to check on his wellbeing.

The 31-year-old is currently serving a four-year doping ban after testing positive to banned substance drostanolone, an anabolic steroid, in 2017. That ban prevents him from contacting the Knights club during that time.

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Newcastle Knights CEO Phil Gardner is adamant no current Knights players were at the party with Mullen.

Gardner, who has known Mullen since his days as a Wests junior, said they would continue to support him and his family.

“We as a club will do everything we can to assist Jarrod and his family. But we must understand that he’s been barred from contacting the game for the next four years,” Gardner said.

“I ask you to consider if you work the Channel 9 or you work for News and your actions bring yourself your employer and your profession into disrepute, what are the responsibilities of the employer in that situation?

“I can assure you in rugby league, we do the absolute best we can to rehabilitate and look after people.

“It’s a terrible tragedy what we’re seeing here with Jarrod. We’re going to do our best. We’re also going to use it as an example of what not to do for our players so they understand.”

Sione Mata’utia debuted with the Knights in 2014 and played with Jarrod Mullen for three seasons. He echoed Gardner’s sentiments.

“Obviously he’s (Jarrod) a friend of a few of the boys, like (Phil) said it’s a tragedy,” Mata’utia said.

“It’s pretty sad. Hopefully he’s doing well. And hopefully like the club has said they’re going to help out as much as they can.”