2020 NRL General Discussion

[Gards]

Yea I think Barbs got in trouble for what he took partying after the grand final, not before it - which makes it even more ridiculous and frivolous

 

[bort]

Yea I think Barbs got in trouble for what he took partying after the grand final, not before it - which makes it even more ridiculous and frivolous

Is there clarification on Naden? From what I've seen test was 'the night of the grand final' which many have assumed means before GF played, or immediately after, but doesn't specifically rule out testers rocking up to test him at some point in like the next 12 hours after the game.

 

[Blair]

I guess also unclear who they actually tested in 2017, Storm or Cowboys, as Panthers didn't even win the GF to be tested in 2020.

So it is quite possibly
Didn't test Storm (runners up) - winners tested
Didn't test Storm (winners) - runners up tested*
Didn't test Storm (runners up) - no tests between Storm and Roosters
No Storm - no tests between Raiders and Roosters
Didn't test Storm (winners) - runners up tested

Storm have been in 4 of the last 5 Grand Finals and may not have been drug tested once, one of these also crossing over with the Roosters who managed to have no testing done both years they made the GF
Certainly not close to enough to be an incriminating pattern, especially with the uncertainty around 2017, but their high level of sustained success definitely isn't attracting them any attention

Are you sure they only tested one team. The years of tests could have been done on both teams. Could be wrong but can't see where it implies either way.

 

[bort]

Are you sure they only tested one team. The years of tests could have been done on both teams. Could be wrong but can't see where it implies either way.

No you're right, there is no implication only players from one team were tested. I think for some reason I assumed that from saying 5 panthers were tested but not also saying any Storm were tested.
I have been at events where only players from one team have been tested despite other team being present, but have also been at similar and seen players from both teams tested.
It's entirely possible Storm are off the hook having been clean (or those who were tested anyway) in 2016, 2017 and 2020 and Gards was right to only point finger at the Roosters for being suspiciously avoided.