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Ex-Super League forward Jamie Acton given two-year rugby league ban…two years after he retired

Leigh Centurions 30-0 Huddersfield Giants

It may seem like a bizarre title, but that is exactly what has happened with one former Super League forward.

Rugby league and mental health are two things that are being spoken about a lot more in the same conversation and for a certain Jamie Acton, he has been very vocal about the problems he has faced in the past.

But, on an Instagram video, Acton revealed that he has been handed a backdated three-year ban from rugby league – two years after he retired from the sport.

The ex-Leigh forward, who who played 95 games for Leigh between 2014 and 2018, posted: “Sorry it’s a long video but I think it’s an important topic to talk about.

“My dates aren’t quite right in the video but basically, following a video I posted last year highlighting my personal drug problem and the massive drugs problem in rugby league, COINCIDENTALLY my old samples were retested using new technology and a sample from 2015 has been flagged as positive for GHRP6 so I’m being banned for 2 years…

“Not that relevant when you’re already 3 years retired, but I think it’s a big problem that the @rfl wish to silence those raising awareness about the drug problems within the sport, rather than encourage such discussions which I believe could potentially really help current and future players.

“I wholly accept I was in the wrong to take these drugs and have no problem with accepting my ‘punishment’, however the way in which this has come about is concerning…

“Let’s stop brushing drugs problems under the carpet, whether that be in sport or just general life. The more open and honest we can be about the subject, the better. That’s my opinion anyway.”

Acton has been a monumental journey through a colourful career and last revealed last year to Serious About Rugby League that: “I’ve suffered with anxiety and ADHD and I’m also on the autistic spectrum.

“During my rugby career I completely brushed all that under the carpet, I ignored the problems and to try and combat them I used rugby as a vehicle to eliminate my demons.”

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