Eels Young Gun Accused Of Taking Performance Decreasing Drugs

ERROL PARKER | Editor-at-large | Contact

The Parramatta Eels and the NRL have been made aware of images circulating online appearing to show one of the club's young stars preparing what has been described as a performance decreasing substance.

The photos allegedly show 22-year-old Isaiah Iongi seated at a table with a grinder, lighter and pre-rolled paper cones, appearing to prepare a hand-rolled cigarette.

It is unclear when or where the images were taken, or whether the substance pictured is illegal. Sources close to the player have reportedly claimed the photos are old and were shared by someone with an axe to grind.

A club source unable to speak on the record has told The Advocate that whatever the case, it's obviously a performance decreasing drug.

"Yeah just looks like, uh, they're rolling cigarillos. Which are popular in the area. They're just tobacco, right?"

"Nah look play on. Can't prove anything and he who has not indulged in an off or pre-season cigarillo, cast the first stone."

The NRL Integrity Unit is understood to be discussing the matter with the Eels. The club and the player’s management have been contacted for comment.

The young fullback is coming off a breakout season and recently secured a long-term contract extension. The images have surfaced less than two weeks before Parramatta’s Round One fixture. Seems pretty convenient.

No formal breach notice has been issued at this stage.

More to come.