NRL: Roosters say they're clean despite pill-popping claim

SYDNEY - Sydney Roosters chief executive Steve Noyce has denied the NRL club has a drug problem after allegations of improper use of prescription pills by some players.

A News Ltd report said prescription drugs were being distributed among players for recreational use after games, but Noyce said he had yet to be given any proof that was happening.

Two weeks ago troubled hooker Jake Friend was charged with possessing Valium tablets that had not been prescribed to him. The matter is due before the courts on June 30.

The article said a former senior player had come forward as a whistleblower to the dangerous practice, but Noyce was adamant his club was clean, calling the claims "offensive".

"There's been lots of allegations and I've asked that particular organisation who raised those allegations to give me evidence and it hasn't come to light," Noyce said yesterday.

"If there were some issues in the past I believe they're behind us now."

Noyce said he met players and staff yesterday morning to discuss the allegations and left the meeting confident they had no substance.

Asked what further action the club would take, he said: "I don't think there's a lot more we can do unless we get evidence from people and I encourage people if anyone has any evidence, if they think there is an issue there, to raise it with the club."

* The NRL match review committee has charged NSW State of Origin hopefuls Kade Snowden and Chris Heighington with grade one offences.

Cronulla prop Snowden was charged with making dangerous contact with St George Illawarra five-eighth Jamie Soward while he was kicking. He is likely to fight the charge.

The tough frontrower will be hoping he can escape a penalty and impress against Queensland bookend Matt Scott and the North Queensland Cowboys on Saturday night.

Wests Tigers secondrower Heighington will be available for Friday's clash with the Dragons if he takes the early guilty plea to a dangerous throw charge picked up against Canberra on Sunday.

- AAP