The NRL has been plunged into a fresh drugs crisis, after Kirisome Auva'a allegedly recorded a second strike under the NRL's illicit drugs policy.
Just weeks after Parramatta superstar Corey Norman was charged over possession of MDMA - also known as ecstasy - capsules and muscle relaxants at Sydney's The Star casino, it's understood Auva'a recorded the second incursion of his career under the NRL's illicit drugs policy.
Fairfax Media has been told the contravention is the result of irregularities presented during routine testing at the club. It's understood Auva'a did not return a positive test for an illicit or hazardous substance.
Under the policy, players who record a second contravention will serve a 12-match ban, face the prospect of contract termination and further treatment and monitoring. If a third is recorded, offenders are referred to the NRL CEO or COO, who are tasked with determining an appropriate sanction.
Auva'a has not played in any grade since the incident occurred several weeks ago. The premiership-winning three-quarter has a chequered history after pleading guilty to two charges of recklessly causing serious injury and criminal damage over an incident that occurred in Melbourne in January 2014.
The Samoa international was suspended for nine months before making his return to Souths via feeder team North Sydney Bears.
Given his rap sheet, Auva'a is facing the prospect of being sacked, a sanction that could effectively end his NRL career.
Auva'a's manager, Andrew Purcell, declined to comment.
Fairfax Media has been told Auva'a and teammate Paul Carter were stood down indefinitely after allegedly reporting for South Sydney training under the influence of alcohol.
Both players were stood down indefinitely, with Carter due to front the Rabbitohs board on July 12 after being issued with a show-cause notice. Having already been sacked by the Gold Coast, Carter was warned he was on his last chance after signing a new deal with Souths.
The incidents could result in the club sacking both Carter and Auva'a to send a strong message to their teammates about the standards expected at the Pride of the League.
The Auva'a drama is the second drugs scandal engulfing the club in as many years. Dylan Walker and Aaron Gray almost lost their lives after misusing prescription medications provided to treat injuries last season.
The pair made a full recovery, with the club granting Walker an early release from his contract to continue his career with Manly.
The latest drama caps a nightmare season for South Sydney that could result in the club recording its worst season result since 2006, when they earned the wooden spoon. The Rabbitohs currently sit in 13th position and face Brisbane following this week's bye.
