Cronulla Sharks centre Bronson Xerri says he's "devastated" after failing a drugs test that has left his NRL career hanging in the balance.
In response, Drug Free Sport New Zealand has sent its own warning to anyone who may be tempted by banned substances, especially with increasing pressure on younger athletes.
Just two days ago, Xerri was confident he was ready to hit the ground running this season. Now the 19-year-old faces up to a four-year ban.
"I'm devastated but I'm bound by the system so there is not much more I can say at this stage," he said in response to his provisional suspension.
"There is a process in place that I am required to follow. I'm shattered I'm not playing with the boys this weekend and I wish them all the best for Saturday."
Drug Free Sport NZ chief executive Nick Paterson says the burden on young top level athletes is huge.
"Undeniably that pressure's there," says Paterson. "From our point of view, getting the message through to these youngsters that when you're under this pressure, come and talk to us and we'll give you the support we can."
Paterson wants to warn those who may be tempted by shortcuts that it simply isn't worth it.
"The consequences are huge at every level. From a sporting level, from a financial level, but actually it comes down to reputation."
Former players believe there's no excuse for top athletes taking any kind of steroids.
"I don't know the extent of what's going to happen to Bronson," Kiwis international Benji Marshall told Fox Sports. "But it's just sad that some athletes feel the need to have enhancement to perform better."
Paterson says they'll be ramping up their testing for the rest of this year, as people who are returning to sport after the COVID-19 enforced break may be tempted to speed up that process.
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