Four-year ban on the cards as Xerri's B-sample comes back positive
The NRL has officially issued Bronson Xerri with a notice of an alleged NRL doping violation after the return of a positive B-sample to a prohibited substance.
Embattled Cronulla star Bronson Xerri.Credit:NRL Photos
Xerri was provisionally suspended under the NRL’s anti-doping policy after he returned a positive A-sample for exogenous testosterone, androsterone, etiocholanolone and 5b-androstane-3a,17b-diol from a test on November 25 last year.
Sport Integrity Australia (SIA) has been investigating the matter to ascertain how the substances have been detected and, if they were administered to him, where they were sourced.
Cronulla had continued to pay Xerri while awaiting the outcome of the B-sample. The club has been frustrated that it has taken more than nine months to learn of the result.
"The National Rugby League (NRL) has today issued Cronulla Sharks player Bronson Xerri with a Notice of Alleged Anti-Doping Rule Violations under the NRL’s Anti-Doping Policy," the NRL said in a statement.
"This follows the return of a positive sample and completion of the anti-doping process administered by Sport Integrity Australia.
"The Notice alleges that Mr Xerri breached the policy through the presence, use and possession of Anabolic Androgenic Steroids prohibited by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) and the NRL’s Anti-Doping Policy.
"Mr Xerri was provisionally suspended from participating in any WADA compliant sport, including rugby league, on 26 May 2020 following the return of a positive sample for Testosterone, Androsterone, Etiocholanolone and 5b-androstane-3a,17b-diol.
"Under the NRL Anti-Doping Policy, Mr Xerri now has the opportunity to respond to the matters raised in the Notice of Alleged Anti-Doping Rule Violations.
"The NRL will continue to make support services available to Mr Xerri.
"The NRL will not be making further comment while this process is under way."
The 19-year-old is facing a ban of up to four years, but could qualify for a reduction if he provides substantial assistance.
More to come