The proposal to make illicit drug use records available to NRL clubs comes after multiple cocaine scandals in recent weeks, including that of Kiwis captain Jesse Bromwich. Photo / Photosport.
The proposal to make illicit drug use records available to NRL clubs comes after multiple cocaine scandals in recent weeks, including that of Kiwis captain Jesse Bromwich. Photo / Photosport.
A proposal to make records of illicit drug use available to NRL clubs with a view to preventing them signing players who have tested positive is reportedly set to be discussed at a meeting this week.
News Corp Australia reports that the proposal has the backing of rugby league's mostexperienced administrators ahead of the meeting on Wednesday.
At the moment only a player, his club boss and club welfare manager are made aware of any so-called 'first strike'.
But, as the league battles several cocaine scandals in recent weeks, the proposed policy would see clubs gaining access to a player's drug history prior to signing him.
The meeting will involve the NRL and all 16 club chief executives and chairman with the aim of having the proposal in next year's Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).
Canberra boss Don Furner compared the proposal to a homebuyer ordering a pest inspection before buying a property.
"As a club, under the current policy, you're not only at risk of losing that player from a football point of view you've signed for 12 weeks if he is dealt with a second strike out, but it's the damage it could do to your brand and your club," Furner said.
"You could lose a major sponsor because of it. "If the NRL are going to push for that in the CBA, I think they'd be in a strong position too."
