NRL chief executive Todd Greenberg is satisfied with Melbourne’s two-game ban for Jesse Bromwich after his involvement in a drugs scandal over the weekend.
New Zealand captain Bromwich and Kiwi teammate Kevin Proctor were accused of consuming an illegal substance in the early hours of Saturday following the Test loss to Australia.
Bromwich was stood down from the club’s leadership group and forced to donate his Test fee to a charity, while Proctor has yet to face sanction from the Gold Coast board.
He has already stepped down from playing duties for the Titans, as well as the captaincy.
“Both clubs spoke to our Integrity Unit over the weekend about the parameters of those decisions. Ultimately they’re decisions for the clubs,” Greenberg told reporters on Monday.
“But we were comfortable with that.”
A Canberra man is facing charges for supplying the players and while Proctor said he was too drunk to remember the incident, he could not deny the allegations.
Neither are expected to face police charges, however it is believed the NRL integrity unit is awaiting evidence of drug-use that would result in a strike under the game’s drug policy.
A player’s first positive return will land them a suspended fine with their identity protected, while a second positive test is punished by a 12-match suspension.
Third-time offenders face severe disciplinary action from the NRL.
Greenberg backed the game’s current drug-testing procedures but declined to confirm whether the Integrity Unit had tested either Proctor or Bromwich over the weekend.
“I’m not going to talk publicly about when we drug test players, and how we drug test players. But this year we’ll complete more than 2500 drug tests,” he said.
“That’s on top of performance-enhancing drug tests that come through ASADA. We spot-test players, we target-test players, we have done that and will continue to do that.”
Alex L
Roar Rookie
Shoulder charges have killed the recipient, someone snorting some coke has never killed another person directly.
KillaKanga
Roar Rookie
My thoughts exactly G R, Parra reps should head straight down the Circus......ooops, meant NRL HQ and demand an explanation
eagleJack
Roar Guru
Never had a problem with players doing reacreational drugs. Hence why I always supported Andrew Johns given I'd witnessed dozens of his fellow League players (as well as big names from every code) consume copious amounts themselves. Joey just happened to get caught. In England. Although I am surprised so many do it. Sure, it isn't performance enhancing. But when your body is the source of your income you'd think you'd do everything possible to maintain it at peak levels. At all times. Go nuts in the off-season if you have to.
Fix the scrums
Guest
Ok then King cowboy I will gladly get a life, and enjoy it. Better than being off my face on hard drugs. But, looks like some like you are okay with that. Strange days.
Greg
Guest
Obviously the NRL thinks a shoulder charge is a more serious offence than getting caught on camera consuming illegal drugs..... 2 weeks is a joke, the Storm conveniently get him back just in time to help them through the Origin period
no one in particular
Roar Guru
So a shoulder charge is is worth double the penalty, and Junior Paulo's punishment was four times worse. Nice one Greenberg.
Gavin
Guest
Ever been tot Canberra?
The Barry
Roar Guru
The big question should be why do so many players go haywire in Canberra? Even the guys just passing through get into trouble! ?
Magnus M. Østergaard
Roar Guru
Theyve been banned from the RLWC as well by NZRL.
KingCowboy
Guest
Yer good point. I am now going to do some lines due to Greenberg's decision. Never felt the urge before but why not. Maybe you should get a life buddy!
Gururobbo
Guest
Geez, Corey Norman must be feeling a little aggrieved.
fix the scrums
Guest
Greenberg should try a new career in stand up comedy or maybe as a circus clown. The last time I checked, cocaine was an illegal, highly addictive drug that has destroyed many lives. Thats a soft penalty and a poor message. Nothing changes.