Players 'took drugs at World Cup'

Former Australia coach Chris Anderson says a player complained about alleged drug use by team-mates during the 2000 World Cup but no action was taken.

The claims come in the aftermath of Andrew Johns' revelation that he used recreational drugs on a regular basis throughout his playing career.

"(Forward) Gorden Tallis was upset at behaviour from certain players - none of it was acted on," claimed Anderson.

"He was trying to do the right thing but it all got swept under the carpet."

Anderson told the Sydney Sunday Telegraph that Johns was one of several players who Tallis complained about.

"He let people in charge of the game know about Joey (Johns)," said Anderson.

"For them to say it's news to them, that's rubbish. Everyone knew about Joey. No one had concrete evidence but everyone knew it was happening.

"Gordie said he saw stuff on the tour. I didn't go out with them too much but I know Gordie was upset at times (about a drug-taking culture) and he came home and went to the authorities."

National Rugby League chief executive David Gallop said his organisation had tried to investigate the allegations but there was nothing for them to follow up.

"Some concerns were raised about the Kangaroos on that tour," he said. "The ARL conducted an investigation, but there was no clear evidence to act on.

"The rumours were certainly around, but they were about more (players) than Andrew. I never spoke to any player directly about it."

Team-mate Shane Webcke said he remembered Tallis's comments but at the time he did not realise they were true.

"I thought at the time 'Gorden, you're an idiot, what are you talking about?'. That makes me naive," he said.

"He felt the guys were betraying the Australian jersey and what it stood for."

Anderson said the NRL had a duty to be more pro-active in dealing with any reports of drug use.

"If there is a sniff of a rumour, the NRL need to get on the front foot and investigate it,'' he said.

"We are in this game together, if there are rumours about certain blokes taking drugs, surely you can act.

"Andrew was the face of the game for a long time. But there were a lot of times when he was out of control and nothing has been done about it.''

Source: BBC Sport