Andrew Abdo backs NRL’s illicit drugs policy in light of AFL bombshell

NRL CEO Andrew Abdo says he is confident that the code’s illicit drugs and anti-doping policies are robust enough to avoid a scandal similar to the one rocking the AFL right now.

NRL CEO Andrew Abdo. Picture: Tim Hunter.

CEO Andrew Abdo has backed the NRL’s stringent drugs policies and is confident the ‘off the book’ testing scandal engulfing the AFL is not happening in rugby league.

On Thursday, it was revealed about 100 AFL players received secret immunity from the code’s three-strike drugs policy according to club medical officials, as the league is accused of “aiding and abetting” illegal drug use of players.

It comes after a former Melbourne Football club doctor admitted to conducting off the books drug tests, with the knowledge of the AFL, to help players avoid detection on match days.

“My job by definition is by default all about worrying and anxiety. I wouldn’t be doing my job if I wasn’t thinking about these things. We think about these things all the time. We think about our sport and we think about making sure we are managing the risks in our sport,” Abdo said.

Abdo said he wasn’t aware of a similar issue in the NRL.

“We have a single testing regime that is administered by an independent third body. The clubs know and understand this. I’m not aware of any issues in regard to any testing that occurs outside of that,” Abdo said.

Abdo said the NRL had not reached out to clubs to remind them of obligations under the game’s drugs policies.

NRL CEO Andrew Abdo. Picture: Tim Hunter.

“I’m really confident in the policy we have. We have two policies, an anti-doping policy and an illicit drugs policy. The clubs and the players know our position on these policies. The policy is very clear about having a single policy regime,” Abdo said.

“I’m confident all stakeholders in our game understand what their obligations are and have no concern about the clarity of our policy and the practices at our clubs.”

When asked if the NRL would investigate whether off the book testing was happening at club level, Abdo said the governing body would not head down that path.

“No. Our policy is very clear,” Abdo said.

“We refresh our policy from time to time, which is healthy and normal, and the obligations on players and the clubs I believe is there. I don’t feel it’s necessary to remind clubs of the policy, they are very well aware of it.

“Players are professionals and know what is expected of them.”

The whistleblower AFL doctor sensationally revealed players who confessed to using illicit drugs in the lead up to games were administered secret tests to ensure their system was clear of any illegal substance.

Otherwise players were advised to fake injury and sit out games in a bid to avoid being tested and suspended for breaches of the World Anti-Doping Agency code.

The clandestine testing revealed in the AFL has undermined the sport’s three-strike illicit drugs policy.

Under the AFL’s three-strike policy, a second positive test would result in the player being named and shamed, and fined $5,000. A third strike would result in a 12 match ban.

CEO of the Rugby League Players Association (RLPA) Clint Newton. Picture: AAP Image/James Gourley

The NRL’s test under the illicit drugs and an anti-doping policy that is conducted by an independent provider engaged by the governing body.

The NRL’s sanctions for players that test positive are far more stringent than its rival code.

A positive result in the first instance is only shared with the club CEO and doctor, and the player is provided with counselling. A 12-match ban is handed down for a second failed test and the club has the right to terminate the player’s contract.

Any subsequent failed tests will be referred to the NRL CEO and offenders face “more severe disciplinary action”.

There is a view in parts of the game that current sanctions are too punitive.

Under the new CBA, it was agreed that the NRL’s current drugs policy would be reviewed by independent experts, who would then provide recommendations to the governing body and RLPA.

“Both parties are committed to working through a review of the current policy to determine whether it is fit for purpose. That requires experts in that field to guide us and the NRL through that process,” RLPA CEO Clint Newton said.

“We need to determine what is the purpose of the policy, and the problem it’s trying to solve. We need to make sure we are looking after our people, while protecting the game. But we need to understand why some people find themselves in this position.”

The review has not yet commenced.

In the past, the NRL had flagged the possibility of testing players out of season and introducing hair follicle testing to detect recreational drug use.

Originally published as Andrew Abdo backs NRL’s illicit drugs policy in light of AFL bombshell