Mates sad for Slipper suffering

JAMES Slipper’s mental health issues and cocaine use have shaken his Queensland Reds teammates who were unaware of the depth of the problems he has struggled with.

Reds captain Scott Higginbotham said it was “sad” to see a close friend going through such struggles and said that Slipper’s welfare was the top priority.

Higginbotham and the Reds squad only discovered that the 86-Test prop had twice tested positive for cocaine in out-of-competition tests when Queensland Rugby Union chairman Jeff Miller spoke to them on Thursday.

“I’m sad, I’m sad for him,” Higginbotham said.

“Obviously, we (as a whole team) are not well in terms of our mate being in a bit of trouble.”

Higginbotham said the Reds had still produced one of their best training sessions of the year on Thursday to prepare for tonight’s clash against the Highlanders at Suncorp Stadium.

Higginbotham said he had some awareness of Slipper’s difficult personal situation.

Slipper’s mother has been battling terminal cancer since late last year.