Newcastle have denied two current Knights players were present at a party where fallen former halfback Jarrod Mullen is alleged to have overdosed on drugs.
Mullen spent two days in hospital after overdosing in December and is being investigated by police over a drug supply ring.
It was reported this week that the one-time NSW State of Origin playmaker had overdosed at a party hosted by Les Mason, the brother of former Canterbury and Knights forward Willie Mason.
Knights CEO Philip Gardner said on Tuesday Mullen was found at home by his family, not at the party.
He also denied any of the current Knights squad was in attendance at the party, distancing his club from the incident.
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"To the best of my knowledge none of our top 36 were at any of those parties, I think the reports aren't accurate," Gardner said.
"I don't know why they're being reported but it certainly doesn't represent the facts.
"They've also got the issue with Jarrod wrong.
"Jarrod did overdose, he did not overdose at the party, he was found at home by his family. I can only say to you again what a tragedy for the family."
Les Mason has been charged with drug supply offences which are unrelated to Mullen's overdose.
Mullen is being investigated as part of Strike Force Castlestead, which has already resulted in five warrants and 10 arrests over the past six months.
Police said they expected further arrests as a result of the investigation.
"The Jarrod Mullen situation is a tragedy, it's a tragedy for Jarrod, it's a tragedy for his family and it's a tragedy for the club," Gardner said.
"This tragedy probably has a few more acts to play out before it's done."
Mullen was in 2017 banned from the NRL for four years for steroid use and Gardner said they were offering his family support.
"We're going to do our best and we're also going to use it as an example of what not to do for our players so they understand," Gardner said.
"Jarrod's journey from the absolute pinnacle of our game to where it is today brings a tear to my eye."
