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7th Tackle - with Josh Massoud and Liam Cox

Top Four get in-house testing bonus

The hottest talk in Australian sport over the past week has been about the AFL's new in-house drug testing policy; following revelations that as many as 11 Collingwood players had allegedly returned positive samples to recreational drugs.

It would be naive to dismiss the prospect of similar results in rugby league, should the code follow suit and adopt hair testing. In fact, we've been told there were a number of positive results across the NRL last September. Several well-placed sources have confirmed the NRL ordered a blitz of clubs in the immediate aftermath of their individual Mad Monday celebrations.

Let's say the results exceeded expectations; notwithstanding the fact this was a highly co-ordinated manoeuvre. But there was one discrepancy. After three weeks, news of crackdown was leaked to The Australian. At that point in time four clubs - the Roosters, Storm, Cowboys and Broncos - were still competing.

Gavin Cooper (Cowboys), Jake Friend (Roosters), Justin Hodges (Broncos) and Ryan Hinchcliffe (Storm) at last year's finals launch. Image: Getty
Gavin Cooper (Cowboys), Jake Friend (Roosters), Justin Hodges (Broncos) and Ryan Hinchcliffe (Storm) at last year's finals launch. Image: Getty

Figures from the remaining 12 clubs believe those four clubs received unfair warning; and suspect they might now be benefiting from having less players with a strike to their name. The difference is significant. Apart from a suspended fine, first-timers avoid punishment. Those guilty of a second offence are hit with a 12-match ban - and face the even bigger shame of being publicly named.

Maloney feeling blue again

Tuesday's Origin launch provoked plenty of questions about the concept's most perennially contentious subject: the NSW halves. We asked plenty of questions on that front and the answer was pretty consistent: if the Blues team were picked tomorrow, Trent Hodkinson and James Maloney would get the nod.

Maloney playing for NSW in 2013. Image: Getty
Maloney playing for NSW in 2013. Image: Getty

While Laurie Daley won't publicly rule out Mitchell Pearce, the coach made it painfully clear the Roosters half would be best served concentrating on rebuilding his life and footy career at club level. The pair agreed on that much when they caught up last week. That presumably can't be achieved in the space of just three games - which is all Pearce will have to audition when he returns from suspension in Round Nine.

Adam Reynolds also looks to have lost his race to return from a broken jaw before Game One; we're told his comeback could still be six weeks away. Daley could turn to Blake Austin, but is inclined to opt for experience in the series opener. Maloney played the entire 2013 series, but was dropped the following year.

Dragon the chain on finances

St George Illawarra is one of several clubs under tremendous pressure to trade games away from their heartland to Moore Park; in exchange for filthy lucre. And boy do they need the cash. The joint venture accepted a $4 million loan from head office two years ago; giving the NRL input into its operations.

Image: Getty
Image: Getty

The control is so tight that the football department has even been prevented from buying equipment needed for player recovery and rehab, worth only a couple of hundred bucks. The story reminds us of the dark old days at neighbouring Cronulla, where coach Shane Flanagan once had to buy a boxing ring from eBay with his own cash.

But it now appears the Sharks have out-grown their traditional big brother. Player agents also say the Dragons are struggling to attract third party sponsors; at least at the same levels as previous seasons. It's little wonder coach Paul McGregor has to put in overtime to ensure the team competes. He rode last week's narrow win over Penrith hard; loudly imploring co-captain Gareth Widdop to take more ownership of the team's attack.