Brent Naden could be ready for next year despite failed drug test

Brent Naden could be among the first athletes in the world to benefit from changes to the doping code

Brent Naden has been provisionally suspended by the NRL Picture: NRL Photos

Penrith centre Brent Naden could be among the first athletes in the world to benefit from a change in the world anti-doping code designed to reduce the sanctions for “substances of abuse”.

It means that rather than a two-year ban, Naden could be suspended for as little as one month should his B sample verify that he had cocaine in his system following the NRL grand final in late-October.

Naden and a handful of teammates were tested by Sports Integrity Australia immediately following their loss to Melbourne at ANZ Stadium.

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The NRL and Penrith on Wednesday confirmed Naden had returned a positive A-sample for metabolites of cocaine. A failed test for cocaine would normally mean a long stint on the sidelines but under changes to the WADA code to take effect from January 1, substances of abuse such as cocaine, heroin and ecstasy can result in more lenient bans if the athlete can demonstrate that the use of the substance was out-of-competition and unrelated to sport performance.

WADA confirmed the suspension imposed for substances of abuse would now be three months and could be reduced to one month if the athlete completed a drug rehabilitation program.

While the new rules don’t come into effect until January 1, the code allows for an avenue to have any ban reduced retrospectively should the rules change.

Naden, therefore, could be free to play next year – in the period between undergoing the test and receiving the results, he entered and completed a voluntary rehabilitation program at a private health facility.

“Penrith Panthers acknowledges the provisional suspension handed down to player Brent Naden after he returned a positive test for a recreational drug,” Penrith said in a statement.

“As previously reported, Brent approached the club following the 2020 NRL grand final to seek help with a number of personal issues. At that time he admitted to the use of a recreational drug.

“Panthers informed the NRL of Brent’s admission and with the support of the club, he commenced a voluntary rehabilitation program at a private health facility.

“Brent recently completed that program and continues to address his personal issues with the support of his family and Panthers staff.

“Working closely with Brent through this process, the club believes he has the capacity to overcome his personal issues and realise his potential.

“Panthers will continue to provide Brent and his family the support they need moving forward. “

The NRL confirmed he had been provisionally suspended pending the results of his B sample.

“Mr Naden is prohibited from participating in any WADA compliant sport, including rugby league, while the provisional suspension is in place,” the NRL said.

“Under the Anti-Doping Policy, Mr Naden now has the opportunity to have his B-sample analysed. The NRL has spoken with Mr Naden and advised him of the support services available to him.”