NZ pair could be banned for months

Jesse Bromwich and Kevin Proctor could be facing lengthy suspensions from the sport, if the allegations over cocaine use are proven to be true.

The two Kiwis forwards were named in court documents yesterday, allegedly caught up in a incident outside a Canberra nightclub after Friday’s 12-30 loss to the Kangaroos.

The Herald on Sunday understands that top officials from the NRL and its integrity unit were locked in discussions yesterday afternoon and evening, as well as senior officials from the New Zealand Rugby League and the players’ respective clubs — the Melbourne Storm and Gold Coast Titans.

Those meetings were set to continue today.

The NRL have a three strikes policy around illicit drug use. A first positive test results in the player receiving a suspended fine, and they must undertake a mandatory treatment programme. The player is also placed on a monitoring programme which involves testing. This first strike is kept private. The NRL’s policy states that players who record a second contravention will serve a minimum 12-match ban, face the prospect of contract termination and undergo further treatment and monitoring. A third strike results in more severe disciplinary action.

After his second offence, in the wake of the 2016 grand final, Ben Barba’s contract was torn up by the Sharks, and he is now playing in England.

Bromwich’s and Proctor’s cases, if they are found guilty, could prove more complicated, due to the public circumstances and the fact that cocaine is a class-A drug. It’s unknown if either Bromwich or Proctor have a first strike against their names.

The alleged episode could evolve into another dark chapter for New Zealand league.