The five Gold Coast Titans players suspended in the NRL cocaine scandal have been cleared to return to first team duties with the NRL club.
State of Origin stars Greg Bird and Dave Taylor, reigning Titans player of the year Beau Falloon and outside backs Jamie Dowling and Kalifa Faifai Loa will now be available for selection against Newcastle on Sunday.
All five players have missed the Titans’ first two fixtures of the season after being stood down in February when it emerged they were facing cocaine supply charges after an investigation by the Queensland Crime and Corruption Commission.
In a statement released on Tuesday, the club revealed legal advice from senior Sydney QC Tony Bannon had concluded that the best course of action by the Titans is to hold off on any potential further disciplinary action until the legal process has been resolved.
Bird and Taylor are both expected to be named by Titans coach Neil Henry in his team to face the Knights while the other three players could come into contention for bench positions.
The five players are part of a group of eight current or former Titans caught up in the scandal while Queensland Reds rugby union player Karmichael Hunt has already been fined $2500 in a Gold Coast court after he pleaded guilty to four counts of possessing cocaine as a result of the QCCC investigation.
The Titans’ statement said Mr Bannon had considered all relevant information, including police reports, individual player contracts and the NRL’s rules and code of conduct.
“On the basis of this advice the board has resolved to allow the charged players to return to playing and training duties pending the outcome of the legal process,” the statement said.
“In accepting the legal advice in relation to the specific circumstances of these charges, the board reaffirms its determination to continue to take strong action as and when required to protect and enhance the reputation of the Gold Coast Titans in the eyes of the community and the sporting world generally.
“Should any of the current allegations ultimately be proven in the courts, in assessing any subsequent disciplinary action the board will be mindful of the serious reputational and financial damage the club has already suffered.”
