I have to say reading the last couple of pages I'm more concerned about the "fact" that it seems to be common knowledge that lots of players are using Columbian Marching powder and that Zac was stupid / unlucky to get caught. I have no idea how true that is, but if there is substance to the various assertions made to the effect that it is widespread and that the clubs are aware of it, then Huston we have a problem. I don't know enough about the long term physical effects and risks of using this illegal drug. But even if, as some paint it, it is a similar risk to Alcohol, it is not benign. It is grown, prepared and shipped under uncontrolled (unregulated) conditions. Because it is illegal and therefore uncontrolled / unregulated it is open to adulteration from field to use. Aside from that is is associated with violence, exploitation and knock on crime. I really hope that our sport is making a serious effort to stamp this problem out and not just sweeping the problem under the carpet. On that basis alone, for me, they have to make an example of any and all players caught.

Barba's test was out of competition.

The difference is what exactly - hardly using it as a performance enhancing drug.

Fair point.

Doesn't mean i don't think Zak should get 2 years, but it should be the crime should fit the punishment across the board.

For a start playing whilst "coming down" or still "Wired" as it were puts others at risk from the pov that the "user" isn't in complete control.
Id have thought it was pretty straight forward.

I definitely think he should get a 2 year ban.

These things are illegal for a reason and all the players know that. Like it or not, they're heroes and role models to thousands of kids.

Whilst I doubt a young person would take something just because a player has, it removes the taboo around it.

The lad’s a s hit house. Always has been and always will be. A first rate footballer but a s hit house never the less.

I don't condone any drug taking what so ever and IMO any players found guilty of any such offences or indiscretions that are in any way drugs related and whether or not they are in competition time or on a Monday,Tuesday,Wednesday etc etc should be banned from playing for a minimum of 2 years

If Zak only gets a 12 game ban for taking a banned stimulant whilst in competition time (The thick F--ker only took the drugs on game day ) then what is the deterrent to stop other players doing the same?

The game clearly needs to send out a loud and clear message here to any prospective drug taking players that if you are caught then you will be punished irrespective of what day you were actually caught

First of all, for the record (not that it matters), I have never touched an illegal drug - what I can say is that at my amateur club, I am absolutely one of the minority of players who don't get on the gear every week (there's only about 3 or 4 out of full squad that don't openly take stuff on a weekend), in fact, I'm actually the subject of the lads banter for it - apparently it makes me a 'choir boy'.

I can tell you for a fact that whilst the clubs would never publicly condone it's use, they absolutely do have a tolerant approach (some more than others). The players are taught by club medics and noutritionists on how to clear their systems within 48 hours.

Like many others on here, I've seen first hand how rife itnis amongst both Super League, semi pro and amateur players. 1 story I will share (without names obviously, but I'm sure many will know by the story) was that 1 current head coach decided to take his players out in Leeds after a game and contacted an ex-super league player and teammate of his (and well renowned coke head) from the Leeds area to 'sort the lads out with some gear', which of course he obliged. Stories about the same head coach using Millenium Magic as a similar sort of 'bonding event' are also commonly known.

It's rife, players, coaches and clubs know it - and it's so common that the only way the clubs are really managing it nowadays is with damage control. It would be a brace club who took a zero tolerance approach. Why else are clubs not pro-active on testing - when do we ever hear of clubs catching someone internally? Only when it's a problem child who they want bullets against.

To be fair to RL players, it's rife amongst most professional team sport.

Just been out with Nick Scruton tonight and talking about this. There is is some incredibly naive fans about, judging by some comments.

He shouldnt because if he got tested the day before then he would not have been banned one day.

It clearly was not used for performance enhancement, so when you are tested should not matter, so if he should be banned 2 years then so should everyone who is tested positive.

Would you still take that stance if it was a Leeds player?

Completely irrellevant he did get tested on game day & tested positive simple as that.
Whether it's performance enhancing or not again is very irrellevant it's illegal for a reason & just so we're clear id take the same stance with any Leeds player.
No excuses who does what & when you get caught you deserve a ban.

What Im saying is, when he took the drugs the risk he thought he was taking was a possible caution by the RFL, not a 2 year ban, it seems silly that someone who did exactly the same thing a day earlier, or who drank more water through the week would not be banned for a single game even if he tested positive after training one day.

So if Hardaker gets a two year ban then imo SL need to change their attitude and say that every player who is tested positive any day during the season is 'in competition', instead of just saying players are 'in competition' on a match day.

Agree about the match day/noon match day issues. Make it automatic 2 year ban whenever caught. Stamp it out. Illegal drugs should not be accepted in professional sport