Former Hull KR star Minns handed 16-month drugs ban
THOMAS MINNS could start training with a new club as early as May 15 following the former Hull KR centre’s 16-month suspension for using cocaine.
The Yorkshireman failed a drugs test after Rovers’ Super League win at Huddersfield Giants in March last year.
Minns, who spoke publicly about the depression he suffered following the death of his mother, told a UK Anti-Doping hearing that he consumed the banned drugs four days before the match, ‘on his own, while at home, in an attempt to alleviate a state of distress.’
UKAD have now suspended him from all sport for 16 months but backdated the suspension to the time of his sample and the former Leeds Rhinos player will be free to play again from July 15.
If the 24-year-old decides to resume his career he can start training with a club two months before that date.
England full-back Zak Hardaker did just that last year with Wigan Warriors following his 14-month ban for cocaine use.
Minns played his final game for the Robins in the 31-12 win over Widnes Vikings on April 7 and admitted the charge and co-operated with UKAD.
The ex-Featherstone Rovers and London Broncos player was released by the Robins in July but was due out of contract at the end of last season regardless.
Leeds-born Minns scored 34 tries in 49 games for the Robins.
UKAD’s chief executive, Nicole Sapstead, said: “All athletes must adhere to the principle of strict liability, regardless of whether or not they are deliberately seeking to gain an unfair sporting advantage.
“It is an athlete’s responsibility to know what substances are in their system, and they must be aware that even if a substance is not banned out-of-competition, there is always the possibility of it remaining in their body for a period of time and it being detected in-competition.”
Meanwhile, Championship club Featherstone have pulled off a major coup by signing World Club Challenge winner Cameron King.
The hooker previously played for a number of NRL clubs, including North Queensland Cowboys, Parramatta Eels and St George Illawarra Dragons.
Indeed, he scored the winning try for St George in the 2011 World Club Challenge against Wigan Warriors.
King has signed a one-year deal at Post Office Road and Featherstone chief Ryan Carr feels the 27-year-old will be a “huge asset” to his side in 2019.
The Australian coach said: “His work ethic and commitment are extremely professional and he will bring great leadership both on and off the field.
“He has played in a lot of quality NRL systems from a young age and still has a lot of great footy ahead of him so I’m excited to be working with him and having him at our club for the upcoming season.”
King is a former Australian Schoolboys captain and highlyrated with Featherstone general manager Davide Longo adding: “Ryan’s presence in Australia was hugely beneficial to us securing what is a massive coup for a Championship club.”