Gold Coast star Ash Taylor admits it's disappointing the start of this week's NRL indigenous round has been overshadowed by the increasing illicit drugs crisis facing the game.
Cronulla under-20s player Jesse Savage on Monday night was the latest to join a growing list of rugby league identities facing sanctions over alleged illicit drug use.
Savage is the the fifth player in four days to become embroiled in the saga, which includes Taylor's Titans teammate Kevin Proctor.
Proctor is yet to stand in front of the Titans board and answer accusations he had used cocaine following New Zealand's Test loss to Australia last Friday.
However he has already stood down from playing duties and the co-captaincy at the club for an act Taylor believes is out of character from the veteran forward.
"I think anyone would be surprised, especially him being the leader at the club. It was a massive shock to myself to wake up to that," Taylor said.
"I don't think that it's ever happened before. To be caught like that, it's not an ideal situation for himself. But he's going to serve his time and that's just what he's got to do."
Kiwis captain Jesse Bromwich, who was with Proctor in the Canberra incident, was banned for two NRL games by club side Melbourne and forced to donate his Test fee to charity.
Both players have also been ruled out of this year's World Cup.
Sydney Roosters centre Shaun Kenny-Dowall was charged with drug possession on Friday, while Cronulla chairman Damien Keogh was stung on Saturday.
Both men have since been stood down from their clubs.
Speaking at an indigenous jersey launch for all 16 NRL clubs this week, Taylor insisted Proctor would have the backing of the playing group, but expressed his dismay at the recent dramas.
"It's our round this week, it's our indigenous round and we're representing our culture. In saying that, it's just a silly mistake. Everyone makes mistakes, he's going to serve his time," he said.
Cronulla star Andrew Fifita has endured his own problems off-field, including his public support of one-punch killer Kieran Loveridge, but made a triumphant return to the Kangaroos last week.
He described the recent incidents as a "hiccup".
"I've made mistakes in the past, but we all get through it. I got to represent the pinnacle of our game on the weekend and that was a massive honour," he said.
"They'll be feeling low as anything at the moment, ashamed. But there's always that light at the end of the tunnel and it's a very bright light."
