NRL: Gallop backs Broncos drug denials

NRL chief executive David Gallop. Photo / Getty Images

SYDNEY - NRL chief executive David Gallop said he had no reason to doubt the validity of Brisbane's emphatic denial that one of their players had a drug problem.

Brisbane boss Bruno Cullen on Monday hit out at allegations the Broncos were covering up a drugs issue involving one of their high profile players, Cullen threatening legal action over what he claimed was "scurrilous" accusations.

Gallop said the NRL had no evidence of any Broncos player testing positive to drugs, but warned of dire consequences should Brisbane or any other club attempt to cover up positive tests.

"Clearly, like anything else, if there are lies being told then the consequences may be more severe," Gallop said.

"The Broncos have obviously come out fairly emphatically about some of the allegations.

"From our point of view it's important that the policies are adhered to and the policies are ones that provide not only for random testing but also for targeted testing.

"We don't go into where we are up to in relation to those things unless we get results which lead to us disclosing it under the policy."

The player with the alleged drug problem was not named publicly in Monday's Daily Telegraph report, but Cullen said the player in question had been tested a number of times over a long period with the club.

Gallop admitted unsubstantiated allegations did have the ability to harm the reputation of the club and players.

"Any situation where allegations are made against specific players where it turns out to be unfounded, it's a matter for concern, and I've noted the Broncos emphatic denials yesterday," Gallop said.

Gallop was at Redfern Community Centre on Tuesday to announce next week's round 23 of the NRL would be used to promote the Close the Gap campaign, which is aimed at improving the life expectancy and health of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

The Bulldogs and North Queensland will play in the Reconciliation Cup in Townsville next Friday night to kick off a round of Indigenous celebrations.

- AAP