Why Braydon Trindall police test should not trigger NRL’s illicit drug policy

Braydon Trindall failed his DUI test and is awaiting a secondary test result to ascertain the level of illicit drugs in his system at the time – but here’s how he will avoid a crucial NRL strike against his name.

Cronulla playmaker Braydon Trindall. Picture: NRL Imagery

Sharks player Braydon Trindall will avoid carrying a crucial NRL strike against his name for illicit drug-use because his failed test wasn’t conducted by official anti-doping agency WADA.

That’s the opinion of respected Brydens Lawyers principal Lee Hagipantelis, who offered his expert advice surrounding the Trindall case, which has led to the 24-year-old taking leave from training and playing.

Trindall’s actions have thrust unwanted pressure over the competition leaders start to the season after he failed initial roadside alcohol and illicit drug tests.

The Cronulla five-eighth has been charged by police for recording a mid-range blood alcohol reading of 0.125 in the early hours of Monday morning.

Trindall is waiting for a secondary test result to ascertain the level of illicit drugs, believed to be cocaine, in his system.

Trindall had been celebrating Cronulla’s win over the Cowboys at the apartment of teammate Toby Rudolf on Sunday night and continued the celebrations elsewhere after midnight.

Adding to the five-eighth’s woe is that he was charged while holding an expired licence.

With the NRL Integrity Unit monitoring the case and awaiting further information from the police and Sharks, Hagipantelis revealed a crucial element that could prove defining for Trindall’s career.

Cronulla playmaker Braydon Trindall. Picture: NRL Imagery

“If he is found guilty, and it’s an if, of driving with an illicit drug, does that become relevant then from the NRL’s illicit drug policy perspective, or is it just simply a matter of bringing the game into disrepute,‘’ Hagipantelis said on SEN radio.

“And the answer is, it is not relevant for the governing body’s illicit drug policy because it is not an official WADA test.

“The WADA rules require that testing occurs on the day of competition.

“So if he is found guilty of driving with an illicit drug, the NRL will not be able to rely upon that to invoke their illicit drugs policy.‘’

Another major factor to support Hagipantelis’ view is that the window for testing players for illicit drugs under the current Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) is between before midnight on the day of the game and midnight of the game.

Further, under NRL rules, a first positive result is only shared with the club chief executive and doctor. The player receives a suspended fine and is required to undergo counselling.

A second strike sees the player cop a 12-match ban and “the prospect of contract termination, a fine, and further treatment and monitoring”, according to the NRL.

Third time offenders will face “more severe disciplinary action.”

Braydon Trindall has received support from his Cronulla teammates. Picture: NRL Imagery

The incident prompted Cronulla’s leading players Nicho Hynes and Cameron McInnes to concede Trindall is set for a “harsh lesson” while backing the club’s ability to handle the unwanted adversity.

“It’s (Trindall’s behaviour) out of character for anyone here at the Cronulla Sharks,” Hynes said.

“What we’ve built here under Fitzy (Craig Fitzgibbon) with our culture, we’ve worked really hard to get to.

“He worked hard in the pre-season, I think he stayed off alcohol and did those things to get his game right.

“It’s going to be a harsh lesson for him (Trindall) and he’s hurting at the moment.”

McInnes added: “This club is united and strong. We don’t stand for that (Trindall’s behaviour) but we also look after him too.’’

Originally published as Why Braydon Trindall police test should not trigger NRL’s illicit drug policy