Former Knights target suspended over cannabis test
BY ROBERT DILLON
13/03/2009 4:00:00 AM
THE real reason Byron Ford did not join the Newcastle Knights this season was revealed yesterday when the Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority announced he had received a 12-match suspension for testing positive to cannabis.
Ford, who scored 15 tries for Newtown in the NSW Cup last season, including one in their grand final loss to Wentworthville, agreed to a two-year deal with the Knights last September.
But soon after accepting terms, the 27-year-old's agent contacted Newcastle officials to inform them he would not be in a position to join them because of "personal reasons".
Those personal reasons emerged yesterday when ASADA announced that Ford had been suspended for a positive swab.
"Mr Ford tested positive from an in-competition sample collected by the Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority at a NSW Cup match between the Newtown Jets and the Central Coast Storm on March 29, 2008," ASADA said in a press release.
"Mr Ford, who will miss the first 12 games of the 2009 season, will be eligible to recommence competition on June 19, 2009."
It is understood that Ford had been informed he had tested positive and would be suspended, which prompted him to pull out of the Knights deal.
Knights strategic development manager Keith Onslow, who had negotiated the proposed contract with Ford, said the winger had severed ties with Newcastle, and not vice-versa.
"His manager rang us and said he had changed his mind and wouldn't be joining us," Onslow said yesterday.
"He said that he had personal or family issues and wanted to stay in Sydney. It was his decision."
The Knights subsequently made their own inquiries and became aware of the full situation.
Had Ford actually signed with Newcastle and started training with them before yesterday's sanction was announced, the club would have faced a tough decision on how to handle the dilemma.
Knights management have introduced a strict code of conduct to ensure their players present a squeaky-clean image, which is one reason they abandoned plans last year to sign youngster Arana Taumata from the Bulldogs, after he was involved in an alleged incident that left a man with a broken jaw.
Ford, a Cook Islands international and a member of Maroubra surf gang the Bra Boys, played professionally in England with Hull Kingston Rovers and Oldham but has not appeared in the NRL.
Onslow and Knights coach Brian Smith said they were not aware if he was playing rugby league this season.
Meanwhile, Smith said rookie wingers Esi Tonga (Gold Coast) and Akuila Uate (Newcastle) can expect their share of attention in Sunday's NRL season-opener at Skilled Park.
"I dare say both Esi and Aku are going to feel the heat, first game of the year," Smith said.
BY ROBERT DILLON
13/03/2009 4:00:00 AM
THE real reason Byron Ford did not join the Newcastle Knights this season was revealed yesterday when the Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority announced he had received a 12-match suspension for testing positive to cannabis.
Ford, who scored 15 tries for Newtown in the NSW Cup last season, including one in their grand final loss to Wentworthville, agreed to a two-year deal with the Knights last September.
But soon after accepting terms, the 27-year-old's agent contacted Newcastle officials to inform them he would not be in a position to join them because of "personal reasons".
Those personal reasons emerged yesterday when ASADA announced that Ford had been suspended for a positive swab.
"Mr Ford tested positive from an in-competition sample collected by the Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority at a NSW Cup match between the Newtown Jets and the Central Coast Storm on March 29, 2008," ASADA said in a press release.
"Mr Ford, who will miss the first 12 games of the 2009 season, will be eligible to recommence competition on June 19, 2009."
It is understood that Ford had been informed he had tested positive and would be suspended, which prompted him to pull out of the Knights deal.
Knights strategic development manager Keith Onslow, who had negotiated the proposed contract with Ford, said the winger had severed ties with Newcastle, and not vice-versa.
"His manager rang us and said he had changed his mind and wouldn't be joining us," Onslow said yesterday.
"He said that he had personal or family issues and wanted to stay in Sydney. It was his decision."
The Knights subsequently made their own inquiries and became aware of the full situation.
Had Ford actually signed with Newcastle and started training with them before yesterday's sanction was announced, the club would have faced a tough decision on how to handle the dilemma.
Knights management have introduced a strict code of conduct to ensure their players present a squeaky-clean image, which is one reason they abandoned plans last year to sign youngster Arana Taumata from the Bulldogs, after he was involved in an alleged incident that left a man with a broken jaw.
Ford, a Cook Islands international and a member of Maroubra surf gang the Bra Boys, played professionally in England with Hull Kingston Rovers and Oldham but has not appeared in the NRL.
Onslow and Knights coach Brian Smith said they were not aware if he was playing rugby league this season.
Meanwhile, Smith said rookie wingers Esi Tonga (Gold Coast) and Akuila Uate (Newcastle) can expect their share of attention in Sunday's NRL season-opener at Skilled Park.
"I dare say both Esi and Aku are going to feel the heat, first game of the year," Smith said.
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