Suspended Cronulla Sharks youngster Bronson Xerri faces the NRL Appeals Tribunal before Christmas over his doping ban, but it will be weeks before his fate is decided.
The Cronulla club has continued paying his wage but the Sharks, who still bear the scars of their 2014 doping scandal, will be desperate to move on.
The 19-year-old had the world at his feet during his debut 2019 NRL season.
He was the Shark's rising star, finished as the league's 12th-highest try scorer with 13 (from 22 games) including a hat-trick against the Dragons in round 25 and a double the next week.
That dream start came crashing down when he was suspended in May 2020 for allegedly using and possessing anabolic steroids (testosterone, androsterone, etiocholanolone and 5b-androstane-3a,17b-diol).
Xerri is challenging the four-year-ban he is facing.
Melbourne Storm winger Sandor Earl faced the same fate when he was 22 years old while at the Canberra Raiders.
Earl was banned for four years for using and trafficking a performance-enhancing drug in 2013, before returning to the game with the Storm in 2018.
He says the public backlash was the most difficult part.
"That was way harder than the final verdict or the decision to end my career coming forward and goingthrough that (doping) process that whole period was a lot harder," the recently-retired Earl said.
Earl, now 31, empathises with Xerri, but is urging others not to go down the same path.
"There's no doubt the pressure on young athletes, you really want to succeed and he (Bronson) was probably in a position where he was trying to be the best athlete he can coming under injury clouds, that sets you back, it's tough but no athlete should put themselves in that position," he said.
Earl is one of the few to pull off a comeback.
"Rugby league is all-consuming and a lot of sacrifice, it's important to have a good balance, close relationships outside of the football bubble, explore your interests, find something you love," he said.
"To have that taken away from me, it gave me a whole new perspective for rugby league and how lucky I was to do it, but it also made me very hungry and [determined] not to take things for granted."
During Xerri's recovery from offseason shoulder surgery he was tested after a tip-off and returned positive A and B samples.
"For Bronson it's a tough period in his life, once he gets through this moment he can rip the band-aid [off] and move on with his life and there's no doubt he can make a comeback if he wants," Earl said.
"It comes down to one simple decision whether you're going to let it consume you or are you going to move on and be positive, sometimes it's easier said than done."
Medical experts fear the system is too focused on cheating and the risk of ruining careers rather than the serious health effects.
"There's really significant immediate and long-term effects from using performance- or image-enhancing drugs, which affect all systems of the body," said Dr Larissa Trease, a medical advisor to Sports Integrity Australia.
"Anabolics and stimulants can result in cardiac effects, diabetes can develop from the use of human growth hormone, liver failure too, EPOs can cause thromboembolic events or strokes.
"In males the testes shrink and cause infertility, substances can cause premature closure of the growth plate so people fail to reach their true height and stature, acne, in women facial hair and the growth of an Adam's apple or swelling in the neck." Dr Trease said.
The mental and psychological consequences can be as severe.
"Anabolic steroids can cause personality changes, like aggression, a loss of control, outbursts of violence, most of the performance- and image-enhancing drugs can also affect people's psychological wellbeing, stimulants can cause anxiety and acute psychotic episodes."
Many substances are sourced under the counter and have never been tested for their long-term effects.
"Some of them, as an example SARMS actually never make it through the testing process because of the significant side-effects including tumours or cancers caused in rats, so they've never actually been licenced for human use."
Sport Integrity Australia is concerned the rise of the body-beautiful gym culture is normalising performance- and image-enhancing drugs.
"There is so much performance improvement to be had through good health, diet, sleep, regular exercise rather than harming your body no one ever tested positive for broccoli," Dr Trease said.
View original post here:
Cronulla's Bronson Xerri is appealing his four-year doping ban but Sandor Earl says Xerri can return to the game even if he loses - ABC News
- HGH Infrared Systems Announces Debut of Spynel-S and Product Name Change [Last Updated On: April 29th, 2013] [Originally Added On: April 29th, 2013]
- Report: Biogenesis documents link A-Rod to HGH [Last Updated On: April 29th, 2013] [Originally Added On: April 29th, 2013]
- HGH Infrared Systems Announces New Blackbody Products and Updates [Last Updated On: April 29th, 2013] [Originally Added On: April 29th, 2013]
- "Anti-Aging" Pill SeroVital™-hgh Gets Overwhelming Response in The New York Times Magazine [Last Updated On: April 29th, 2013] [Originally Added On: April 29th, 2013]
- Radar Online Features Celebrity Makeup Artist's Anti-Aging Secret... SeroVital™-hgh [Last Updated On: April 29th, 2013] [Originally Added On: April 29th, 2013]
- De Smith says players will not be 'bullied' on HGH testing [Last Updated On: April 29th, 2013] [Originally Added On: April 29th, 2013]
- Smith says players won't be bullied on HGH test [Last Updated On: April 29th, 2013] [Originally Added On: April 29th, 2013]
- BraceLand Nutraceuticals - Turn Back Time with HGH - Video [Last Updated On: April 29th, 2013] [Originally Added On: April 29th, 2013]
- WWE '13 - HGH Clan vs spideysams - Video [Last Updated On: April 29th, 2013] [Originally Added On: April 29th, 2013]
- 216 Owner [Last Updated On: April 29th, 2013] [Originally Added On: April 29th, 2013]
- WvW HGH roaming aggressive conditions engineer (100'nades sequel) - Video [Last Updated On: April 29th, 2013] [Originally Added On: April 29th, 2013]
- WWE"13 WWE"13 xVBIx Pride Owned HGH zBrahmaBullz / My Epic Return - Video [Last Updated On: April 29th, 2013] [Originally Added On: April 29th, 2013]
- WWE '13 - HGH Clan vs P8909362, MrX206 and Danfort91 - Video [Last Updated On: April 29th, 2013] [Originally Added On: April 29th, 2013]
- Dr. Ed Park on why TA-65 is better than HGH - iHealthTube 8 - Video [Last Updated On: April 29th, 2013] [Originally Added On: April 29th, 2013]
- 15 mins HGH (Human Growth Hormone) release with Delta Isochronic [Last Updated On: April 29th, 2013] [Originally Added On: April 29th, 2013]
- Report: NFL HGH use likely common [Last Updated On: May 1st, 2013] [Originally Added On: May 1st, 2013]
- Anonymous player: HGH use in NFL 'like clockwork' [Last Updated On: May 1st, 2013] [Originally Added On: May 1st, 2013]
- HGH in the NFL: A growing menace [Last Updated On: May 1st, 2013] [Originally Added On: May 1st, 2013]
- HGH use in the NFL, still apparently subject for debate [Last Updated On: May 1st, 2013] [Originally Added On: May 1st, 2013]
- HGH use 'rampant' in NFL, according to report [Last Updated On: May 1st, 2013] [Originally Added On: May 1st, 2013]
- Report: HGH Use in NFL Is ‘Rampant,’ ‘Increasing’ With No Blood Test in Place [Last Updated On: May 1st, 2013] [Originally Added On: May 1st, 2013]
- Report: HGH use increasing [Last Updated On: May 1st, 2013] [Originally Added On: May 1st, 2013]
- PFT: HGH use reportedly rampant across league [Last Updated On: May 3rd, 2013] [Originally Added On: May 3rd, 2013]
- WWE '13 - HGH Clan OWNING these T-Rashy ass SPAMMERS - Video [Last Updated On: May 3rd, 2013] [Originally Added On: May 3rd, 2013]
- League wants HGH testing, needs players to want it, too [Last Updated On: May 4th, 2013] [Originally Added On: May 4th, 2013]
- WWE '13 - HGH KILLS Vendetta and NK CoLdR - Video [Last Updated On: May 6th, 2013] [Originally Added On: May 6th, 2013]
- Start Up Suplementos (360°) RENEWAL HGH Workout for Men 30ml Always Young - Video [Last Updated On: May 6th, 2013] [Originally Added On: May 6th, 2013]
- "Fountain of Youth" Pill SeroVital™-hgh Huge Draw at Annual Gynecology Meeting [Last Updated On: May 8th, 2013] [Originally Added On: May 8th, 2013]
- hGH Rap (Thrift Shop Parody) - Video [Last Updated On: May 8th, 2013] [Originally Added On: May 8th, 2013]
- WWE '13 - HGH vs KSA - Video [Last Updated On: May 9th, 2013] [Originally Added On: May 9th, 2013]
- WWE '13 - HGH Clan vs ObeyCrisz [Last Updated On: May 9th, 2013] [Originally Added On: May 9th, 2013]
- WWE '13 - HGH Clan vs jaTT253 [Last Updated On: May 9th, 2013] [Originally Added On: May 9th, 2013]
- WWE '13 - HGH vs The Shield? - Video [Last Updated On: May 9th, 2013] [Originally Added On: May 9th, 2013]
- WWE '13 - HGH Clan vs The1337Rasengan, Vinodhstanley and Chevyochenta - Video [Last Updated On: May 9th, 2013] [Originally Added On: May 9th, 2013]
- WWE '13 - HGH Clan OWNS Misfits_Owner, E214Classic and Kieron_Reynolds - Video [Last Updated On: May 9th, 2013] [Originally Added On: May 9th, 2013]
- WWE '13 - HGH Clan vs bigjoker____, FINAL7ROMANRAT, and VENdeTTA_RIppER - Video [Last Updated On: May 11th, 2013] [Originally Added On: May 11th, 2013]
- WWE '13 - HGH Clan vs PROOF_WANTED, OcaSs013_NDS and VigilanteWave24 - Video [Last Updated On: May 11th, 2013] [Originally Added On: May 11th, 2013]
- AhmetKayaGiderim-HGH-vidimob - Video [Last Updated On: May 12th, 2013] [Originally Added On: May 12th, 2013]
- J-rich94 [Last Updated On: May 12th, 2013] [Originally Added On: May 12th, 2013]
- WWE '13 - HGH Clan OWNS LordRaiku123 (NK Clan Member) - Video [Last Updated On: May 17th, 2013] [Originally Added On: May 17th, 2013]
- Footloose - Act One - Scene 4 - A Hgh School Hallway - Video [Last Updated On: May 17th, 2013] [Originally Added On: May 17th, 2013]
- Genuine HGH Available and AAS - Video [Last Updated On: May 18th, 2013] [Originally Added On: May 18th, 2013]
- Vlog Diaxu i HGH odc.2 - Video [Last Updated On: May 18th, 2013] [Originally Added On: May 18th, 2013]
- HGH Hormone Release + 528 Hz Virtual Anti Aging Spa Fatburner Mood Enhancer - Video [Last Updated On: May 18th, 2013] [Originally Added On: May 18th, 2013]
- WWE '13 - HGH vs 216 - Oh_216_Punk (Owner) and Oh_216_Prophecy - 'Bow Down/I Been On' by Beyonce - Video [Last Updated On: May 18th, 2013] [Originally Added On: May 18th, 2013]
- HGH Energizer Review By AgeExperts.net - Video [Last Updated On: May 20th, 2013] [Originally Added On: May 20th, 2013]
- Take me to the king Hgh's flag and banner - Video [Last Updated On: May 20th, 2013] [Originally Added On: May 20th, 2013]
- Best HGH Supplement - Video [Last Updated On: May 21st, 2013] [Originally Added On: May 21st, 2013]
- Testosterone [Last Updated On: May 22nd, 2013] [Originally Added On: May 22nd, 2013]
- Lack of HGH testing leaves hole in drug program [Last Updated On: May 23rd, 2013] [Originally Added On: May 23rd, 2013]
- Mark Sisson Primal Diet review HGH [Last Updated On: May 23rd, 2013] [Originally Added On: May 23rd, 2013]
- Humovox HGH Reviews - Supplementing.com - Video [Last Updated On: May 23rd, 2013] [Originally Added On: May 23rd, 2013]
- Bruce ( Spit ) Kimble [Last Updated On: May 24th, 2013] [Originally Added On: May 24th, 2013]
- NFL roundup: NFL proposes immediate HGH testing [Last Updated On: May 25th, 2013] [Originally Added On: May 25th, 2013]
- Report: NFL makes proposal for HGH testing [Last Updated On: May 25th, 2013] [Originally Added On: May 25th, 2013]
- NFL submitted proposal for immediate HGH testing, according to report [Last Updated On: May 25th, 2013] [Originally Added On: May 25th, 2013]
- IM A BOSS IN HGH - Video [Last Updated On: May 26th, 2013] [Originally Added On: May 26th, 2013]
- WWE '13 - HGH vs SMK-Ace_SkillZ (SMK Clan) WEAK BITCHES! - Video [Last Updated On: May 28th, 2013] [Originally Added On: May 28th, 2013]
- Invigorate HGH Reviews - Supplementing.com - Video [Last Updated On: May 28th, 2013] [Originally Added On: May 28th, 2013]
- Tarair Returned - 5v5 HGH Elixir Engineer - Video [Last Updated On: May 28th, 2013] [Originally Added On: May 28th, 2013]
- XxL3GACYxX-_ vs HGH Owner Kavan/BSS Owner Kavan - Video [Last Updated On: May 29th, 2013] [Originally Added On: May 29th, 2013]
- WWE '13 - HGH vs MOD - Video [Last Updated On: May 29th, 2013] [Originally Added On: May 29th, 2013]
- Discount Hgh Supplements - Promo Code - Video [Last Updated On: May 30th, 2013] [Originally Added On: May 30th, 2013]
- WWE '13 - HGH is STILL BETTER THAN NK - Video [Last Updated On: May 30th, 2013] [Originally Added On: May 30th, 2013]
- HGH Infrared Systems Presents to United 4 Defense, the Growing Cambridge-Based Defense-Technology Networking Group [Last Updated On: May 31st, 2013] [Originally Added On: May 31st, 2013]
- WWE'13 vs. HGH_LdR_LEVI HGH-Kavan-Owner HGH-Braham_Bullz - Video [Last Updated On: May 31st, 2013] [Originally Added On: May 31st, 2013]
- Exposing HGH - Video [Last Updated On: May 31st, 2013] [Originally Added On: May 31st, 2013]
- HGH 800 Hormona del Crecimiento - Video [Last Updated On: May 31st, 2013] [Originally Added On: May 31st, 2013]
- 2013 NBA Playoffs, Ducks Update, NFL HGH Testing, UFC 160 [Last Updated On: May 31st, 2013] [Originally Added On: May 31st, 2013]
- Hgh Code - Promo code Code - Video [Last Updated On: June 1st, 2013] [Originally Added On: June 1st, 2013]
- Hgh Coupon - Coupon Code - Video [Last Updated On: June 1st, 2013] [Originally Added On: June 1st, 2013]
- Discount Hgh - Coupon code Code - Video [Last Updated On: June 3rd, 2013] [Originally Added On: June 3rd, 2013]
- Hgh Discount - Discount Code - Video [Last Updated On: June 3rd, 2013] [Originally Added On: June 3rd, 2013]
- Official HGH Clan™ |Recruiting Videos| - Video [Last Updated On: June 3rd, 2013] [Originally Added On: June 3rd, 2013]
- Straight Dogged: HGH LDR Gets The Treatment - Video [Last Updated On: June 4th, 2013] [Originally Added On: June 4th, 2013]
- Increase HGH Naturally - Try RISK FREE - Hype or Real? - Video [Last Updated On: June 4th, 2013] [Originally Added On: June 4th, 2013]
- Growth Hormone Booster SeroVital®-hgh Causing Frenzy of Excitement at Renowned Sleep Conference [Last Updated On: June 6th, 2013] [Originally Added On: June 6th, 2013]
- Wwe13 vs HGH CLAN: HGH-Brahma_Bullz [Last Updated On: June 6th, 2013] [Originally Added On: June 6th, 2013]
- WWE '13 - HGH owns xSinFulxEniGmAx [Last Updated On: June 6th, 2013] [Originally Added On: June 6th, 2013]
- HGH Energizer Reviews - Video [Last Updated On: June 6th, 2013] [Originally Added On: June 6th, 2013]