The NRL has confirmed results of drug tests on Kalyn Ponga and Kurt Mann won't be made public as an integity unit investigation continues into the Newcastle pair's toilet cubicle drama.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
or signup to continue reading
Ponga and Mann remain in the spotlight after they were filmed being escorted out of a toilet cubicle at Hotel Delany on Saturday night.
Both Newcastle and the NRL say they have no reason to be concerned that drugs could be involved, with claims Ponga was ill after celebrating the purchase of a house and was being aided by Mann.
NRL CEO Andrew Abdo on Wednesday defended the integrity unit's decision to investigate.
It's believed the pair were drug tested on Tuesday. However that is unlikely to shed any public light on the matter.
Under the NRL's illicit drug policy, players who record a first strike are handed a suspended fine, with only a second incident made public with a 12-match ban.
"We have an illicit drug policy...and when someone has a positive test there's a series of protocols that then happen. But those are not made public," said Abdo.
"Our job is to protect the players and protect the sport, that's the job of integrity (unit).
"They will do everything that they deem reasonable in order to protect the game, including protecting the players and stakeholders.
"If we have information, then we need to act on it and do it professionally. And I think that's what's unfolding at the moment."
Neither of the pair are due to play against Canberra on Sunday, with Mann still sidelined with a quad injury and Ponga out for the season managing repeated head knocks.
Abdo was asked if it would be appropriate for a player sidelined by concussions to be drinking alcohol.
"No-one is saying that they have breached the rules. But clearly there's been a lot of talk and a lot of media publicity around the incident," Abdo said.
"Our job is to get all the facts and then make the determination. And not to prejudge anything."
READ ALSO:
- Scott Morrison refuses to resign, defends secret portfolio power grab
- Newcastle artist Mitch Revs lists renovated cottage at The Junction
- Hamilton carjacker Shaun Sinfield pleads guilty
- Former Muswellbrook youth worker denies historical sexual and indecent assaults
- Cessnock council looks ready to approve a 24/7 McDonald's restaurant in the Hunter
The issue is not the only one currently under the eye of the NRL integrity unit.
Abdo revealed the league was concerned over alleged use of postcode hand signals in a Manly try celebration against Gold Coast.
Second-rower Haumole Olakau'atu appeared to make a "61" symbol after he crossed, interpreted by some as reference to the 2161 postcode where he grew up with Manase Fainu.
Fainu was last Thursday found guilty of stabbing a youth leader at a church dance in 2019, and has since been denied bail as he awaits sentencing.
"I'm not necessarily pleased with the fact that we have allegations of players showing support potentially under these circumstances," Abdo said.
"It's important for us to understand the context of what's happened, first and foremost.
"But we'll need to look at it. We're in dialogue with the club and I think the club will deal with the matter."
WHAT DO YOU THINK? We've made it a whole lot easier for you to have your say. Our new comment platform requires only one log-in to access articles and to join the discussion on the Newcastle Herald website. Find out how to register so you can enjoy civil, friendly and engaging discussions. Sign up for a subscription here.
