DRUG NET TO CATCH BIG FISH

Trolling for big fish in the fight against drugs is unofficially under way
as the game gets deadly serious about rooting out the users who believe
they are untouchable.

The names of high-profile players and their habits are being bandied about
in the game on a regular basis and, while some of the stories are no doubt
scurrilous, many of them are so persistent ...

This week's ASDA drug bust involving Wests Tigers players Craig Field and
Kevin McGuinness has heightened speculation that it will be only a matter
of time before some of the game's biggest names join them on the front pages.

Despite objections from the Players Association and others, ASDA has the
right under the terms of the players' registration agreements to test at
home or wherever else they choose.

In fact, players have been tested at home and during the off-season,
sometimes at holiday destinations, and it is understood the regularity of
testing in those areas is about to be increased.

As damaging as it may be to the game's image, the message won't sink in
until a Test or State-of-Origin player's name is in the frame.

Until the Wests Tigers case runs its course, there will be continuing
speculation about the appropriate level of punishment for players caught
taking stimulants such as cocaine and ecstasy.

At the moment, players are liable to be suspended for a minimum of 12 weeks
for a first offence and ranging up to two years depending on the circumstances.

It's debatable whether those penalties provide an adequate deterrent,
because a 12-week penalty doesn't appear to take into account the potential
damage to the game.

Former Australian skipper and Raiders coach Mal Meninga believes that
factor is all but ignored in the provisions and wants automatic life bans.
I tend to agree with him.

It should be a simple equation for league players - if you want to take
drugs while being paid huge amounts of money you are guilty of a breach of
trust to your club, fans and the game.

Despite bleatings about invasion of privacy, civil rights and so on by
misguided apologists, cocaine and ecstasy are still illegal substances for
everyone including wealthy athletes who should know better.