The NRL sent drug testers to Newcastle on Tuesday to test the pair, but the result will not be made public.
Under NRL rules, a first positive result is only shared with the club chief executive and doctor. The player receives a suspended fine and is required to undergo counselling.
A second strike sees the player cop a 12-match ban and “the prospect of contract termination, a fine, and further treatment and monitoring”, according to the NRL.
Third time offenders will face “more severe disciplinary action”. The NRL is pushing for hair follicle testing in the wake of recent scandals.
Players currently have their urine tested, which only detects drugs taken in the previous 1-3 days. Hair follicle testing can detect substances like cocaine for up to three months.
As part of the collective bargaining agreement, NRL players cannot be tested for drugs in the off-season, or on their days off. That means players can go months without fear of being tested.
It is not known how often players are tested for illicit drugs, but Immortal Andrew Johns famously revealed he used recreational drugs throughout his career.
“To ensure the program’s integrity and effectiveness clubs or players are not aware of the timing or number of drug tests,” the NRL’s illicit drugs policy reads.
“Substances such as amphetamines (a category that includes as speed, ecstasy and ice), ketamine, cannabis, cocaine, opiates, and synthetic versions of those drugs are all prohibited under the policy.
“In addition to these, the NRL also analyses samples for prescription drugs such as benzodiazepines.
“Players found to be using illicit drugs have immediate access to professional support and treatment to overcome the potential effects on their health.”
