NRL: Bronson Xerri B-sample tests positive to steroids

Bronson Xerri. Photo / Getty

NRL star Bronson Xerri's B-sample has come back positive for anabolic steroids.

The Sharks centre was provisionally suspended in May this year when he tested positive for steroids.

Since then he has been awaiting the result of his B-sample and now it's been confirmed, the 19-year-old faces four years out of rugby league.

The NRL has issued Xerri with a Notice of Alleged Anti-Doping Rule Violations under the league's Anti-Doping Policy, following the "completion of the anti-doping process administered by Sport Integrity Australia".

"The Notice alleges that Mr Xerri breached the policy through the presence, use and possession of Anabolic Androgenic Steroids prohibited by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) and the NRL's Anti-Doping Policy," an NRL statement said.

"Mr Xerri was provisionally suspended from participating in any WADA compliant sport, including rugby league, on 26 May 2020 following the return of a positive sample for Testosterone, Androsterone, Etiocholanolone and 5b-androstane-3a, 17b-diol.

"Under the NRL Anti-Doping Policy, Mr Xerri now has the opportunity to respond to the matters raised in the Notice of Alleged Anti-Doping Rule Violations."

Xerri is facing a huge fight to save his career, and can start that process by fronting an anti-doping tribunal to plead his innocence.

Xerri was reportedly the target of an ASADA drug test following a tip-off from a whistleblower, and his initial suspension was announced on the eve of the league's return from the COVID-19 shutdown.

His ban was the result of a drugs test taken in November 2019 and as his case dragged on for months without further answers, many in rugby league questioned why it was taking so long for Xerri's B-sample to be returned.

However, today's update confirmed the worst and the young gun's career hangs in the balance.

Xerri released a statement in May saying he was "devastated" by his first positive test, but the Sharks denied he was admitting to any "guilt or wrongdoing".

With more evidence performance-enhancing substances were found in his system, the career of one of footy's brightest young prospects is under serious threat.

The Daily Telegraph reports Xerri can plead guilty and ask for leniency from the NRL in offering a punishment less severe than a four-year ban, or he can fight to clear his name.