Why the arbitrary 2 years?

There's nothing inherently wrong with taking recreational drugs. Sports star or not. Alcohol is drug. Should we ban players for 2 years for that? What's the fundamental difference between alcohol and cocaine or weed? Just because in this particular country, at this particular time, alcohol is a legal drug and the others aren't.

It does. If he likes the odd line of peruvian marching powder, you'd think even he would have the brains to wait till the season is over.

Fair enough

If players are still prepared to risk it knowing they could face a 2 year ban, then how many are going to risk it if you start reducing that to just 6 months?

I wouldn't have professional athletes drinking either if it was my choice. The point is that cocaine is illegal. Dunno how anyone can say the RFL should be leainent towards a "bit of sniff". I have read plenty of comments on social media with people arguing a bit of sniff shouldn't carry punishment.

The RFL would be a laughing stock if they didn't issue harsh punishments.

Dunno how anyone can think it's okay for professional athlete to take an illegal drug and get no punishment.

There's no debate to be had on whether its a recreational or a PED, its on the WADA list so any pro athlete should know not to take it unless they are prepared for the 2 yr penalty.

Pro athletes should not be taking alcohol & certainly not in the system when playing in my view. But if you can see nothing inherently wrong with breaking the law of the land then what's the point of having laws?

It could be debated (not by us) and taken off the list.

I agree he's an idiot for taking a substance which knows will get him a ban if he's caught.

Did Adam Walker and Rangi Chase get 2 years? Can't actually remember what happened with them

Probably the exact same number. Hard evidence proves that severity of punishment in no way impacts the number of people offending when it comes to drugs.

Bottom line is it is on on the list of PED, he tested positive after a game therefore he will likely get the 2 years.

He's going to need support (in a similar way that Wigan supported Hock) through the ban.

It's a great shame, another career of a player who could have gone down as one of the best ruined for the sake of a bit of a high.

I agree there isn't and for me, as adults it's each to their own. We in this Country do tend to demonsise some things more than others mainly because the Gov says what's right & wrong.Ateotd Coke and Alcohol wreck lives when someone abuses them and becomes addicted

The fact is though the rules are the rules and everyone signs up knowing them and the consequences. We could have a wider discusion whether drug policy in this Country is becoming a bit outdated, especially where Weed is concerned and the positive affects it can have on people with say Parkinson's, but that would take us way OT.

But as far as the difference between Weed, Alcohol & Coke goes. Coke is a straight up stimulant and as such is on the PED list everywhere. Whereas Alcohol, although has stimulant and sedating effects isn't & I defy anyone to get tanked up or stoned and have a game of RL. They definitely wouldn't be playing to their full potential to say the least.