James Segeyaro’s positive drug test shatters Brisbane Broncos

The Broncos were warned about the dangers of banned substances months before James Segeyaro’s own drug test shock.

James Segeyaro is said to be shocked and insists he did not deliberately use a performance-enhancing substance. Picture: AAP

The entire Broncos squad was warned about the dangers of banned substances in the wake of Queensland swimmer Shayna Jack’s doping scandal, months before hooker James Segeyaro’s own drug test shock.

Broncos bosses privately issued the warning to players after Jack returned a positive test in July to LGD-4033, known as Ligandrol, forcing her withdrawal from that month’s FINA world championships in South Korea.

On Tuesday, September 3, five weeks after the warning, Segeyaro was asked to submit to a drug test after being randomly selected by Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority officials at a Brisbane training session.

Segeyaro’s A sample showed a positive result to the substance that has sidelined Jack, prompting the NRL to provisionally suspend the hooker on Thursday night after talks with the Broncos and ASADA chiefs.

The Broncos hierarchy is understood to be shattered at the outcome given the club-wide lecture to players and the subsequent Segeyaro fallout, which has tainted the proud club’s previously unblemished doping record over the past 31 years.

Board member Darren Lockyer was among six powerbrokers, including chief executive Paul White, who were notified of Segeyaro’s doping offence on Thursday night.

Lockyer, Brisbane’s most-capped player, was stunned by the scandal and fears Segeyaro could pay a heavy price if ultimately found guilty.

“I’m certainly shocked,” Lockyer said.

“This (a doping offence) hasn’t happened before in the Broncos’ history so it’s disappointing in that regard. As a board we received notification. There’s a process that has to happen now and as a club we have to digest it.

“It’s hard to say much more until we get some details around what’s happened.”

White made contact about 8pm on Thursday with Segeyaro, who is holidaying in Europe.

Segeyaro was offered assistance but advised White he would see out his holiday before returning to Australia next week.

Sources say Segeyaro was shocked and insisted he did not deliberately use a performance-enhancing substance.

League great Johnathan Thurston says he is concerned for the wellbeing of his former North Queensland teammate.

“First and foremost, we need to check on his wellbeing,” he said.

“He’d just started to get his football back in check with the Broncos and this is a huge blow to him. Hopefully he’s getting all the help that he needs. It’s not a great look for the game.”

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