Brent Naden cocaine ban: Panthers star risked death during NRL grand final

A leading doctor has revealed the potential frightening ramifications of Brent Naden’s positive grand final drug test.

Brent Naden tackles Josh Addo-Carr during the 2020 NRL grand final. Picture: Cameron Spencer/Getty

A leading Sydney doctor has revealed Penrith star Brent Naden risked cardiac arrest and possible death when he allegedly played in the NRL grand final with cocaine in his system.

The revelation came as it was revealed Naden may not miss an NRL match for his drug indiscretion because any suspension would be backdated to October 25, the night Sports Integrity Australia tested him after Penrith’s loss to Melbourne.

The NRL Integrity Unit is also investigating how Naden broke rugby league’s strict biosecurity bubble to procure the drug.

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Given the sensitivity around the issue, and Naden’s well-publicised issues, officials, doctors and players were reluctant to talk on the record.

But a highly credentialed doctor wanted the ramifications of Naden’s alleged decision to play with cocaine in his system made public to deter others from repeating his behaviour.

“Cocaine is a high-powered stimulant which can increase performance but also put you to a level which can cause cardiac arrest and death,” the Sydney-based doctor said.

“Playing a game with it in your system is a highly dangerous thing to do.

Brent Naden tackles Josh Addo-Carr during the 2020 NRL grand final. Picture: Cameron Spencer/Getty

“It could have led to cardiac arrest, which causes an abnormal rhythm and can cause the heart to stop.

“Which is why it’s banned from WADA, because it’s performance enhancing to a degree but also dangerous.

“The advantage is that it really excites you – it’s like an adrenaline kick. It actually makes you perform better but there is a risk of overexcitement.

“On the one hand it is a stimulant that can make you perform better but it carries a risk of pushing you too hard and causing serious cardiac problems, as in collapsing.

“It could lead to an abnormal rhythm, arrhythmia, which can lead to cardiac issues.

“But he’s not the first one to do it. Go and talk to (former AFL star) Ben Cousins. He did it for years and was then best on ground.”

Brent Naden entered a rehab facility after the grand final. Picture: Grant Trouville/NRL Photos

Naden, 24, has been provisionally suspended under the NRL’s Anti-Doping policy and is facing a two-year ban.

However, any suspension could be reduced to as little as one to three months if he can prove the drug was for recreational use and not to enhance performance.

Under the NRL’s anti-doping policy, the suspension date for any player found guilty of drug use begins from the day of the alleged breach, which for Naden was when his A-sample was taken on October 25.

A three-month ban would free Naden to return to Panthers training on January 25 and prepare to be selected in pre-season trial matches.

However, Naden is facing a secondary hurdle.

The NRL is investigating the Penrith centre for any possible breach of its COVID-19 bubble to obtain the cocaine.

He could face a fine and/or additional suspension.

Brent Naden was subjected to vile racial abuse during a game at Central Coast Stadium.

Naden told Penrith management his emotional breakdown, which led to time in a rehab facility, was a result of the isolation caused by the NRL’s bubble restrictions and racial abuse he received from fans during a game on the Central Coast in September.

The fact he sought professional help will help his chances to receive a reduced ban.

The NRL will now await Naden’s B sample. If positive, he will face the NRL’s Anti Doping Tribunal, probably early next year.

The NRL integrity unit will then reach a decision on any alleged biosecurity breach by Naden.

Naden played 32 minutes of the grand final against the Storm after coming off the bench. In his seven runs he made 67m.

A senior NRL club official said Naden’s decision to take drugs a day before a grand final was “staggering” and “bizarre”.

“I cannot believe, in this day and age, that this could happen on the eve of a grand final,” he said.

“I’ve never seen anything like it before and hope we don’t see it ever again.”

Originally published as Brent Naden cocaine ban: Panthers star risked death during NRL grand final