The two young South Sydney NRL players – Dylan Walker and Aaron Gray – who, this week, were rushed to hospital with a suspected medication drug overdose, have been discharged and were remorseful and apologetic as they fronted the media.
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Walker and Gray have since been moved out of intensive care and into a private ward as their conditions continue to improve, but they still have to pass a number of tests before they will be released from St Vincent’s hospital in Sydney.
“It’s a mistake that we have made and it’s a lesson that we’ve learnt.
We’ve learnt from our mistakes and we hope everyone can learn from our lessons”.
The incident has sparked a major debate about the dangers of prescription drugs in the game amid reports they are being widely abused.
Rabbitohs chief executive John Lee said the club had launched an investigation into the incident but numerous details remained murky.
“We want to be at the forefront of a new trial, a voluntary trial for testing of prescribed for prescription medications through hair follicles”, he said.
“At all clubs, there are necessary pressures that are taken to make sure players take the field”.
Weeks said the NRL’s has more comprehensive prescription drug testing than any other sporting body in the country.
“I would also like to say sorry to our friends and family”.
The Rabbitohs’ pair returned to their homes on Friday afternoon, after Gray had urged people to take medication only as prescribed.
Mr Lee said the club would introduce education for players but he said the misuse of prescription drugs was a wider problem.
The prescription drugs had been given to the pair to relieve pain following recent surgery.
Lee said it’s something that takes place in other parts of the world and it’s something that needs to be done so this kind of incident can be prevented.
Head of Integrity, Nick Weeks said the prospect of hair testing has been the subject of discussion between the NRL and RLPA for several months. Those matters are still pending.
“Ultimately, in the goodness of time, we will know that and I will be happy to share that more fully with people at that time”.
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Gray, said the pair – both aged 21 – could not have asked for better care from paramedics and doctors and nurses at St Vincent’s after they were taken there at 3.45am Tuesday from his Rosebery granny flat.
