Rugby league: Former NRL star Jarrod Mullen almost dies of drug overdose, subject of police investigation

Jarrod Mullen in action for the Knights in 2016. Photo / Getty

Former NRL star Jarrod Mullen nearly died of a drug overdose in December last year at a party reportedly attended by two current Newcastle Knights players.

The former Newcastle Knights and NSW State of Origin halfback, who is serving a four-year suspension from the sport after using performance enhancing substances, spent two days in intensive care after overdosing at a 40th birthday party in Newcastle.

The party was hosted by former Bulldogs star Willie Mason's brother Les who is reportedly charged on drug supply offenses separate to Mullen's overdose.

According to the Sydney Morning Herald, two current members of the Knights were at the same party, but there is no evidence that either were involved in any illegal activity, and aren't being investigated.

Mullen is also under police investigation over links to a drug supply ring, reports the Daily Telegraph.

On Monday, police issued a statement: "Since December 2018, 5 search warrants have been executed by Strike Force detectives and 10 people have been arrested and charged in relation to a range of matters including 'supply a prohibited drug of large commercial quantity' and 'knowingly participate in criminal group'.

"Investigations by Strike Force Castlestead continue and further arrests are anticipated."

Strike Force Castlestead was formed by the police in September last year to investigate an alleged drug supply syndicate. Mullen has not yet been arrested.

The 31-year-old reportedly moved his family away from Newcastle since the December incident and has spent time in rehabilitation.