If the NRL is serious about injuries then....

[dimitri]

….it should have a good look at the drugs in the game, and not the recreational type.

The players are bigger, faster and stronger than ever. The resultant affect on plyers: Increase in injuries.

To have an off-season and have players put on anywhere between 3-6kgs of lean muscle, whilst simultaneously gaining aerobic conditioning requires more than just good training and diet. Anyone who has dabbled into the gym world will tell you to put on that sort of weight in those conditions requires "assistance."

It seems that the NRL refuses to acknowledge or speculate on the issue.

I for one would like to see all players tested regurlarly so everyone is playing on an even surface, so to speak.

 

[Demps]

I don't think there is a problem till players have gained 10kg+ of muscle during an off season.

 

[Joel Helmes]

The players are regularly drug tested, are you suggesting players are using illegal drugs?

 

[Bazzinator]

these guys are super fit and have been training for their entire adult life. They have around 4 months to solely focus on gaining muscle and increasing their fitness level. They have professionals work with them to focus on muscle growth and their fitness level. So if over approximately 4 months they gain a small amount of weight that is good luck to them. The injuries come more likely through parts that aren't as focused on or harder to work on such as joints (Shoulder, knee etc.)

 

[mtd]

To have an off-season and have players put on anywhere between 3-6kgs of lean muscle, whilst simultaneously gaining aerobic conditioning requires more than just good training and diet. Anyone who has dabbled into the gym world will tell you to put on that sort of weight in those conditions requires "assistance."

assistance with substances such as creatine and protein? stuff that's already in your body? come on pal..

and its not that hard to put on 3-6 kgs of lean muscle when its your job. its not like these guys sit behind a computer all day, eating bad food, then going to the gym after work to lose some kgs. they are paid to train and paid to play. there's nothing sus about it at all.

 

[tiger05]

I don't think there would be many players on the roids. Compared to the NFL our players are not so big and athletic.

 

[Montague_Street]

The NRL is a leader in anti-doping testing.
http://www.nrl.com/news/news/newsarticle/tabid/10874/newsid/57922/nrl-steps-up-its-drug-testing-program/default.aspx
Remember Reni Maitua + Clenbuterol = 2 year ban?

 

[Goose]

I think it would be Naive to assume that there is no performance enhancing drugs in the NRL, but i believe (with no evidence however) that it would be very very rare