NRL reinforces Mad Monday drug use risk

The NRL's integrity unit has told clubs their players will be drug tested after Mad Monday celebrations.

The NRL has warned players will be drug tested after end-of-season celebrations, almost a year after Ben Barba's suspension for cocaine use.

The league's integrity unit has emailed club bosses to reiterate expectations around behaviour at Mad Monday events in the hope the message is passed on to players.

The note came from integrity unit manager Joseph Collins, who said clubs needed to address the risk associated with post-season partying.

"Players should be particularly aware that they are subject to testing in the period immediately following their team's elimination from the NRL competition," Collins is quoted by multiple media outlets.

"End-of-season celebrations and the like are a risk period for players and their clubs, so please take this opportunity to remind your playing group about the NRL's expectations and rules in relation to illicit drugs.

"Can I also ask that you ensure that your club has measures in place to reduce the risk of unacceptable behaviour during any end-of-season events..?"

Star fullback Barba had a month earlier won the premiership with Cronulla when he was banned for 12 matches last October over his second positive test to cocaine.

The 28-year-old's NRL career was put on hold when he left Australia for French rugby before joining English Super League side St Helens where he's serving his ban.

As well as the Barba scandal, the NRL has been hit hard by illicit drugs this year.

Jesse Bromwich and Kevin Proctor copped bans from their NRL clubs and were cut from New Zealand's 2017 World Cup squad after CCTV footage showed them with cocaine.

Newcastle centre Shaun Kenny-Dowall's guilty plea to cocaine possession resulted in his release by the Sydney Roosters.

Cronulla chairman Damien Keogh stood down after being charged with cocaine possession.

Disgraced ex-Wests Tigers player Tim Simona claimed teammates used illicit drugs at Mad Monday celebrations.


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Source: AAP



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