NRL rocked by drugs scandal on eve of season restart

Cronulla centre Bronson Xerri has been provisionally suspended under the NRL's anti-doping policy after testing positive to banned substances.

The NRL says the young star tested positive to exogenous Testosterone, Androsterone, Etiocholanolone and 5b-androstane-3a,17b-diol when he was tested by the Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority (ASADA) last November.

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The substances are banned by the World Anti-Doping Agency and the NRL's anti-doping policy.

The 19-year-old will have a chance to have his B sample analysed, but is facing a maximum four-year suspension from all sport.

“Bronson has been stood down from training and playing responsibilities while the process runs its course,” the Sharks said in a statement.

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

Latest disruption to Xerri’s career

Xerri was supposed to make his return for the Sharks on Saturday against Wests Tigers, having overcome a shoulder injury that ruled him out of the opening two games before the coronavirus shutdown.

The renowned speedster claimed he was returning to the NRL faster than ever.

“Basically that whole period off I was just doing sprint training and working on my game,” he said earlier this week.

“I think I am a lot faster than I was this time last year. I can't wait to show that on Saturday.

“When I came back first day back with the boys, they tipped me up and said I was looking a lot faster and quicker.”

The 19-year-old but burst onto the NRL scene with 13 tries in 22 games last year.

With Yahoo Sports Staff