NRL Grand Finalist provisionally suspended

Penrith Panthers centre Brent Naden has been provisionally suspended by the NRL, after testing positive for ‘metabolites of cocaine’ after the Grand Final on October 25 2020.

The 24-year-old is now banned from participating in any sport compliant with the World Anti Doping Agency, including rugby league, until further notice after his positive A-sample.

Naden now has the opportunity for his B-sample to be analysed and should that also return positive, he could be facing a lengthy ban from all sport.

Naden had a breakout year in 2020, making 18 appearances and scoring 12 tries as the Panthers finished as runners-up after losing to Melbourne Storm in the Grand Final.

In a statement, the NRL said: “Under the Anti-Doping Policy, Mr Naden now has the opportunity to have his B-sample analysed.

“The NRL has spoken with Mr Naden and advised him of the support services available to him.”