Parramatta Eels forward Shaun Lane could be in hot water after photos have emerged of him holding a plastic bag containing a white powder.
The Daily Telegraph is reporting the photos were taken during Mad Monday celebrations with former club Manly, with the NRL integrity unit and current club Parramatta both investigating.
It's not known if it was in fact an illegal substance in Lane's possession, nor if it was consumed by him.
Although the photos look to be from last season, Lane could still be facing a fine or even suspension as the NRL looks to stamp out this sort of behaviour.
NRL boss Todd Greenberg warned earlier in the year that any video or photo damaging to the game will incur significant penalties, including suspension no matter how old they are.
"I’m trying to find a balance that’s fair and reasonable on the player and the club he is playing for," Greenberg said.
"Every player would now be acutely aware that if they are going to take videos that are idiotic they can expect bigger sanctions."
The Eels have released the following statement regarding the investigation.
The Parramatta Eels Club have issued the following statement.
- The Parramatta Eels are aware of photos which allegedly feature a current Eels player.
- These photos may have been taken before his time at the Club
- The Club has begun an internal investigation and will work with the NRL integrity unit on the appropriate next steps.
- We will be making no further comment until the investigation has been completed.