League: NRL to smoke out dopey players

SYDNEY - The National Rugby League (NRL) has adopted a controversial drug policy where players testing positive to cannabis will be banned for up to two years.

NRL officials said the code's governing body in Australia would impose a 12-month suspension if drug tests revealed marijuana. Repeat offenders will be banished for two years.

The policy is in line with the World Anti-Doping Authority (Wada) drug policy, under which the names of any player who tests positive are displayed on the Wada website.

Previously players testing positive for the recreational drug were not suspended and the decision to stiffen the rules has divided former and current players.

"Marijuana is a performance-reducing drug -- I don't know why they are testing for it," former New South Wales and Australian halfback Geoff Toovey said.

However, current Sydney Roosters and Kangaroos fullback Anthony Minichiello backed the ban.

"It (marijuana) is a banned substance -- it's illegal to smoke it. If they want to ban it then fine."

NRL clubs had already warned their squads that cannabis could "persist in your system for weeks following use" and that they should not take the risk.

Players must also notify the NRL or Australian Rugby League if they are using asthma medications that may be on the list of banned substances issued by Wada.

- NZPA