Shayna Jack reaches out to Bronson Xerri after doping scandal
Banned Aussie swimmer Shayna Jack has made contact with NRL star Bronson Xerri to counsel him as he deals with his own doping scandal.
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Banned Australian swimmer Shayna Jack has offered her support to NRL star Bronson Xerri, who is facing a four-year suspension for doping.
The result of the 19-year-old’s “B sample” has not yet been publicly announced but if that comes back positive then Xerri, one of the NRL’s most talented young prospects, could be rubbed out for four years.
Jack is facing a doping battle of her own as she fights to clear her name after testing positive for muscle-builder Ligandrol, waiting to contest her four-year ban at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).
Jack’s lawyer Tim Fuller told the Sydney Morning Herald the 21-year-old swimmer has contacted Xerri as he deals with the fallout of being embroiled in a very public scandal.
“She told me she’d been in contact with Bronson and she said he’s very, very stressed about what’s happening,” Fuller said.
“She just understands what they’re going through. She was just letting him know possibly what is going to happen and some of the processes that might not have been explained to him … and just supporting him. In her words, he’s pretty down.”
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Xerri’s positive result stems from a blood sample taken all the way back in November. There was widespread disbelief in NRL circles it had taken so long — until May — for the outcome of that test to be made public and for Xerri to be stood down.
“His case is extraordinary,” Fuller told the Herald. “He provided his sample back in November 2019 and if we haven’t got confirmation of his B sample … that’s unbelievable.
“Ultimately he shouldn’t be in this situation. He should not be waiting for the results of a B sample six or seven months after having provided his sample for testing. I cannot see under any circumstances why it’s taken seven months.”
The loss of Xerri severely hampered the Sharks after the season resumed from its coronavirus-enforced hiatus. The club had already offloaded fellow centre Josh Morris to the Roosters and the teenage star’s absence left a gaping hole in the side’s backline.
There was talk coach John Morris’ job was under threat but Cronulla has stabilised to move to ninth with five wins and five losses.
Originally published as Shayna Jack reaches out to Bronson Xerri after doping scandal