there is too much pressure for these lads at 16 17 years old ,they are still growing , he like many get told they are not big enough , this lad bulked up but made the wrong choices he has paid the price and along with that his chance in pro rugby. this should be a lesson to all the other lads hoping to get a chance at academy level

Are you saying or suggesting that it was, a deliberate decision by him to take the drug?

Sorry but I have no sympathy it should be a lifetime ban end of, I don't know the young man in question but unless he's been living on Mars he must have known the implications of what he was doing. I have some knowledge of teenage kids competing in other sports at international level and they are all fully aware of the implcations of drug taking so why should it be any different in rugby league. In certain UK sports national associations not only is the player banned but so is his coach (albeit for a timed period rather than for life). Maybe if the RFL introduced something alnog these lines it would encourage the clubs to be even more proactive in education and testing than no doubt they are now

Agar Out!!

Looking for excuses , I am considering mitigating circumstances all of which you or me know nothing about, apart from the fact he is an young 18 year old silly boy!!

He is hardly a seasoned professionally who is at the highest level possibly due to taking illegal substances....
He has now been punished and one would hope a young impressionable person will learn his lessons from this and hopefully turn things around for himself......
18 years old took a sports related banned substance hardly a smack head is he ? yet you believe he should not just be punished but banned for life with no opportunities to learn and amend from his mistakes...whatever!

The kid made a mistake for sure, whether that was influenced by his peers or others who knows but certainly a 2 year ban is punishment enough for the crime. Anyone saying he should be banned for life really need to get a grip.
Should those who speed in their cars be banned from driving forever? Should a first time shoplifter be banned from going into shops?
Should a parent who smacks their child for the first time have them taken away & not be allowed children?
Can anyone truely say they have never made a mistake in their life, and that mistake not been punished even though it directly affected others.
Jesus I'd hate for those calling for a life ban to be on a jury!