Mixed feelings over duo’s actions

Leading New Zealand rugby league figures have been left reeling as they take in the news of what happened in Canberra at the weekend.

Following the Anzac test Jesse Bromwich and Kevin Proctor were alleged to have bought cocaine outside a nightclub and it has sent shockwaves through the sport.

Yesterday the pair were axed from the Kiwis’ World Cup squad.

Former Kiwis coach Howie Tamati said the pair’s actions have caused a damaging blow to the sport in this country.

‘‘I’m really disappointed with the actions of those two lads,’’ he said.

‘‘It reflects poorly not only on themselves, but on the game.

‘‘We’ve worked so hard to try to build an image that’s a positive one and one that could capture the minds and bodies of young athletes who are striving to be the best they can be.’’

While some are calling for the heads of the players, one of New Zealand’s greatest ever players, Mark Graham said what they did needed to have some perspective to it.

‘‘We’re all disappointed, but this isn’t the end of the world,’’ Graham said.

‘‘It doesn’t mean that every Kiwi player is a recreational drug user, it doesn’t mean they’re all cheats or that the board at the NZRL are bad people.

‘‘It just means that this has happened and we have to deal with it then get on with life.

‘‘At the end of the day no one died, it’s just what happens in life these days.’’

Former Kiwi Tyran Smith has established himself as one of the leading player agents in the NRL. He has a proven record of getting New Zealand players who’ve had a troubled past back on track.

He says players can move on from bad decisions, but need the right framework around them.

‘‘There are plenty of players playing rugby league who’ve made mistakes and I look after a couple of them,’’ Smith said.

‘‘As long as you do learn from it, change your outlook and continue to be better, you deserve a second chance.’’