The NRL today issued Newcastle Knights player Jarrod Mullen with a Notice of Alleged Anti-Doping Rule Violations under the NRL’s Anti-Doping Policy.

This follows advice from the Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority (ASADA) that Mullen’s B-sample has tested positive for an anabolic steroid, Drostanolone.

The Notice alleges that Mullen breached the Policy through the presence and use of Drostanolone, which is prohibited by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) and the NRL’s Anti-Doping Policy.

Mullen was tested by ASADA on 29 November, 2016 and has been provisionally suspended from participating in any WADA compliant sport, including Rugby League, since 17 January 2017 after his A-Sample tested positive for Drostanolone.

Under the NRL's Anti-Doping Policy, Mullen now has the opportunity to respond to the matters raised in the Notice of Alleged Anti-Doping Rule Violations.

“We obviously remain disappointed with what has transpired but we will continue to respect the process and monitor Jarrod’s welfare,” CEO Matt Gidley said.

The Club will only make further comment at the conclusion of the process.