Cowboy Wright accepts ASADA ban

North Queensland centre Matthew Wright has accepted a three-month ban doping ban from ASADA.

Wright was a member of the Cronulla 2011 squad, which was the subject of an 18-month ASADA investigation into its supplement program.

The 23-year-old was one of 10 players to accept backdated 12-month bans which will end on November 23.

Wright will miss the Cowboys’ NRL finals campaign and the end-of-season Four Nations for Samoa.

“In accepting the offer today, it was agreed that Matthew did not knowingly or deliberately take any substance that was in contradiction with the WADA code,” Cowboys CEO Peter Jourdain said.

“He was advised through that period in 2011 that he wasn’t taking any substance that was illegal.

“It’s very disappointing for Matthew, and the Cowboys, that he will now miss out on the possibility of playing in a finals series in his first year in North Queensland and the chance to play for Samoa in the Four Nations later this season.”

Wright joined the Cowboys at the start of 2014, playing 17 NRL games this season.

He earned a two-year contract extension in June and the Cowboys confirmed he would remain at the club.

“Matthew has been outstanding for us this season and we will welcome him back to pre-season training once his suspension has been served,” Jourdain said.

“In the meantime, the Cowboys will continue to offer every support possible for Matthew as he comes to terms with what has happened this week.”

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