YOUNG GUN STOOD DOWN

NRL rising star tests positive for banned substances

THE NRL has been rocked on the eve of the game’s return by revelations one of the game’s brightest stars has failed a drug test.

Cronulla centre Bronson Xerri returned a positive Asample for exogenous Testosterone, Androsterone, Etiocholanolone and 5b-androstane-3a, 17b-diol, which are prohibited by the World Anti-Doping Agency and the NRL’s Anti-Doping Policy. He was tested by the Australian Sport’s Anti-Doping Authority on November 25 last year.

Xerri, who has been provisionally suspended, has been earmarked as a potential State of Origin player and a player the Sharks desperately needed.

The failed drug test was confirmed by the NRL and the Sharks yesterday afternoon.

“Mr Xerri is prohibited from participating in any WADA compliant sport, including rugby league, while the provisional suspension is in place,” an NRL statement read.

“Under the Anti-Doping Policy, Mr Xerri now has the opportunity to have his B-sample analysed.

“The NRL has spoken with Mr Xerri and advised him of the support services available to him.”

The Sharks issued a statement yesterday saying they had “been made aware of the provisional suspension handed down to Bronson Xerri under the NRL’s Anti-Doping Policy.

“Bronson has been stood down from training and playing responsibilities while the process runs its course, which under the policy includes the opportunity to have his B-sample analysed,” the statement read.

“The club has been in contact with Bronson and has offered him full welfare support as he deals with this situation.”