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Brendan Bunyan is an amateur rugby player who plays for his beloved Burdekin Canetoads and loves his footy. He has never been paid and is no Paul Gallen.
But ‘Bunny’ works hard at his game, especially in the gym to ensure he can keep the weight on to compete in the front row.
While on an overseas holiday, Bunny saw some ‘supplements’ he thought would assist him. He was told they were legal, so he bought them.
In his Schapelle Corby moment, his bags were searched by customs and his supplements seized. He admitted to customs officers he had bought them to help him with his rugby union training. It was later deemed that the items were not WADA compliant.
Bunny hadn’t even opened his parcel, yet because he mentioned his sporting pursuits, ASADA was informed. He was later charged and issued with a two-year ban in August 2011.
It was finals time and Burdekin were top of the table for the first time in a decade. Bunny didn’t get the chance to play finals footy, informed that he could appeal but would need to pay a $10,000 fee and his own legal costs.
Bunny played for Queensland Country on and off over the years, but rugby is a passion not a job. He reluctantly copped it on the chin, did his time and focused on his work.
Paul Gallen and his Sharks teammates have admitted to taking banned substances. A deal was made with ASADA which saw them banned for 12 months, 11 months of which were backdated. Most involved will miss just three largely irrelevant matches.
Of course we are comparing apples and oranges here. These cases are involve complex legal matters, but can someone please explain to Bunny how that is fair?
Many have said that the NRL players were lucky to have the support of their club, the NRL and some would say ASADA to water down their sentences. No one has spoken of the harsh sentences issued to others like Bunny though.
ASADA are ruthless to the amateur sportsperson. “Rules are rules” they say.
Unfortunately no-one has talked to Brendan Bunyan. He is not an Origin player, just a bloke in North Queensland who loves his footy.
Unfortunately he missed his chance at a premiership with the Canetoads.
Paul Gallen gets his chance again next year… But unfortunately for him he is playing with the Sharks.
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