THERE were some unexpected guests at the Bomaderry Sporting Complex on Saturday afternoon, when the Nowra-Bomaderry Jets hosted the Warilla-Lake South Gorillas.
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Following the final whistle, both teams shook hands and started to make their way to the sheds.
They were then stopped on the field by a number of Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority (ASADA) representatives.
“I can confirm the NSW Branch of ASADA was present at the Bomaderry Sporting Complex on Saturday,” Group Seven operations manager Peter Mehl said.
“They were there doing a random, standard testing procedure, which has happened in other competitions across Country Rugby League.”
Mehl explained that the tests should come as no surprise for the clubs.
“At a general meeting earlier in the year, all senior clubs were informed of the possibility of testing being conducted this year,” Mehl said.
“And any positives tests found would be paid by the club.”
Jets captain/coach Dylan Farrell confirmed the attendance of ASADA at Saturday’s round 15 clash, which Warilla won 34-4.
“After the game, as both teams were walking off the the field, both teams were stopped by a number of ASADA representatives,” Farrell said.
“They explained who they were and that all players would be getting tested before they left the proximity.
“Both teams then waited on the field and ASADA then said only a number of players from each team would be randomly tested.
“But after five minutes, they informed my team and I that we were free to leave the ground, with not one of us needing to be tested – which I knew would be the case, because it costs $3000 per test.”
Farrell then stated five Warilla players were tested on Saturday – a statement that Gorillas captain/coach Aaron Henry did not want to confirm or deny.
The South Coast Register understands no other matches at the weekend had ASADA representatives present.
ASADA has been contacted for comment.