Roosters dismiss drug culture claim

Sydney Roosters skipper Braith Anasta has dismissed claims of a drug culture at the
NRL club as he angrily hit out at the smear campaign he believes is carry-on from
last year's season from hell.
The Roosters have found themselves engulfed in yet another controversy after a News
Limited report alleged prescription drugs including Valium were being handed out to
players for recreational use.
Just two weeks ago troubled hooker Jake Friend was charged with having Valium in his
possession without a prescription but Anasta denied drugs were a problem at the
club.
And the veteran pivot called on the former Roosters player believed to be the
whistleblower behind the latest allegations to come up with some proof.
"We're hurt by it because we can't believe the article," Anasta said.
"... who is it, who is the whistleblower? If these allegations are true, well put a
face to it, be a man and stand up.
"We've got to stand up and turn up to training today, we've got preparations for
this weekend and for weeks to come, we've got to show our heads every day - if you
want to come out with accusations and calls like that then stand up and be counted
for, lets put some substance to it if it's true."
Anasta said he wasn't aware of any players abusing prescription drugs, and he
believes the club is still paying the price for the numerous indiscretions which
blighted their 2009 campaign.
"We don't think there is a problem here at all in regards to drugs or anything
else," Anasta said.
"Unfortunately because of our past and last season which was disappointing in the
way we behaved on and off the field, we shouldn't pay the price for that now.
"We've moved on and we want to keep moving on."
Roosters chief executive Steve Noyce met with players and coaching staff on Monday
to address the issue, and said he left the gathering satisfied the club was clean.
He refused to comment on the Friend case, which is due before the courts on June 30,
but he said he saw no reason to stage a witch hunt without further proof.
"If there were some issues in the past I believe they're behind us now," Noyce said.
"There's been lots of allegations and I've asked that particular organisation who
raised those allegations to give me evidence and it hasn't come to light.
"I don't think there's a lot more we can do unless we get evidence from people and I
encourage people if anyone has any evidence, if they think there is an issue there
to raise it with the club."
Noyce said Friend and Todd Carney - who was alleged to have been with Friend when
the latter was arrested outside a Coogee McDonald's restaurant on June 5 - both
recorded negative results when tested for Valium.
There are also reports 15 players were subjected to random drug tests over the
weekend, with the club claiming no players returned a positive result.
Anasta denied the latest drama would destabilise the playing group as they look to
keep touch with the top eight when they take on the Warriors in Christchurch on
Sunday.
"I think it will make us stronger," Anasta said of the adversity.