Canberra winger Sandor Earl has been suspended and issued with an infraction notice after an investigation into the use of performance-enhancing drugs in Australia's National Rugby League, the NRL said.
NRL chief executive Dave Smith told a press conference that Earl had made admissions about the use and trafficking of the peptide CJC-1295 when interviewed recently by the Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority (ASADA).
"Sandor has accepted an immediate provisional suspension for breaches of the league anti-doping policy," he said, without providing further details on the trafficking bombshell.
CJC-1295 is an amino acid peptide, mainly functioning as a growth hormone.
Smith said the news was a clear reminder of the significance of ASADA's ongoing investigations into the use of performance-enhancing drugs in the game.
It comes just days after top Australian Football League side Essendon was slapped with the biggest fine in the sport's history and coach James Hird banned for 12 months over a supplements scandal.
ASADA said Essendon either allowed players to be given substances that were banned, or was unable to determine whether players were administered banned substances.
ASADA's rugby league investigation has centred on the Cronulla Sharks and its 2011 supplements programme. But it has also been interviewing players and officials from several other NRL sides in the wake of an Australian Crime Commission report released in February.
"Today's development reinforces the position we have taken from the outset and highlights our resolve in dealing with what are serious issues," Smith said.
"We continue to work with ASADA .. .to get to the bottom of all allegations. We will act on evidence when it is fully available.
"Everyone should be in no doubt that ASADA is continuing its investigations and that we will continue to work closely with them. I stress that we do not have evidence at this stage that would warrant any further action against any individual or club."
ASADA said that under its government legislation it was unable to provide further comment on the NRL's infraction notice.
"This is to protect the integrity of the investigation as well as any individuals. This is particularly important prior to the conclusion of any hearings and penalties," it said in a statement.
