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Storm CEO Justin Rodski reveals stars were never drug tested

Alex ConradNCA NewsWire
Melbourne Storm CEO Justin Rodski said the players had not been drug tested after the footage was leaked. Patrick Woods
Camera IconMelbourne Storm CEO Justin Rodski said the players had not been drug tested after the footage was leaked. Patrick Woods Credit: News Regional Media

As the Storm’s Cameron Munster and Brandon Smith were filmed partying with a white substance in videos leaked last week, the club’s CEO has revealed the players were never drug tested after the footage was released.

The club and the NRL Integrity Unit launched a robust investigation into Munster, Smith and Chris Lewis over their involvement in the video, who were handed significant punishments earlier today.

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Munster will enter a treatment facility for four weeks and copped a suspended $100,000 fine, while Smith was handed a suspended $50,000 fine from the club.

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It has remained unclear exactly what the white substance in the videos was since the videos were released, and Storm CEO Justin Rodski remained in the dark over the true nature of the substance.

“I don’t know what it was,” Rodski said. “I wasn’t in the room.”

Rodski also confirmed the players had not been drug tested in the wake of the incident and that this had nothing to do with the club itself.

Melbourne Storm CEO Justin Rodski said the players had not been drug tested after the footage was leaked. Patrick Woods
Camera IconMelbourne Storm CEO Justin Rodski said the players had not been drug tested after the footage was leaked. Patrick Woods Credit: News Regional Media

“The club is not permitted to drug test the players,” Rodski said. “Drug testing is done by the NRL.”

“That is part of the CBA (collective bargaining agreement) in association with the RLPA (Rugby League Players Association).”

According to Rodski, the NRL’s testing policy, which covers hazardous and illicit drugs, does not extend into the players’ off-season.

The players involved were also unable to clarify what the white substance was either.

“It’s clear that through excessive consumption of alcohol and intoxication, the players have limited memory of what did or didn’t take place in that hotel room,” Rodski said.

“Other than to say they’ve put their hand up and accepted and acknowledged that the look was far from ideal.

“Their physical appearance was really disappointing, and the fact they were there in that position is something that the club is really disappointed about.”

Originally published as Storm CEO Justin Rodski reveals stars were never drug tested

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