NRL hopeful Bronson Xerri cops devastating doping ban
NRL young gun Bronson Xerri has copped a four-year ban for testing positive for a number of banned substances last year.
The Sharks rising star was suspended last May, which was six months after testing positive to a number of banned substances including testosterone, androsterone and etiocholanolone.
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Xerri's B-sample was confirmed positive for anabolic steroids last September, when he was handed a breach notice by the NRL and faced with a four-year ban from any World Anti-Doping Agency-compliant sport.
Xerri challenged the ban last year.
But on Tuesday, the NRL Anti-doping Tribunal dismissed his challenge and handed the 20-year-old a backdated four-year ban.
Since he was already sidelined since last May, Xerri won't be able to play in the NRL until the 25th November, 2023.
"The Tribunal found that Mr Xerri intentionally took testosterone in late 2019 knowing that the substance was either banned or that there was a serious risk that it was banned," a NRL statement read.
"The Tribunal also found that Mr Xerri's actions were, on his own evidence, at best grossly negligent.
"The sanction imposed is the presumptive four-year ban for the use of serious performance enhancing substances."
Xerri not ready to tell story
Xerri made his mark last year after he burst onto the NRL scene and showcased his blistering pace.
But the 20-year-old will have to wait more than two years before he can lace up the boots and play professionally again.
"I'm only 20 years old, so whatever time I get, I know I'm going to put my best foot forward," he told Nine News last week.
"I want to make my family proud again."
"I'll tell my story (one day), it's not what everyone thinks it is ... I made a mistake and now I have to pay the consequences."
with AAP
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