Cookson’s doping breach

DAVE Cookson in action for Oldham RL Club.

OLDHAM RL Club’s David Cookson is serving a six-month suspension following an inadvertent doping breach last season.

He provided a sample containing Methylhexaneamine, a Specified Substance on the WADA Prohibited List which means it is susceptible to inadvertent use.

The suspension expires on February 28 and reflects the view that Cookson didn’t intend to enhance his performance.

The supplement was part of an energy drink permitted on alldays except match days. Cookson didn’t take it on the day of the match but it was still in his system from the day before..

Cookson said: "I broke the rule and I take the punishment on the chin. UK Anti-Doping and the RFL both accepted that I wasn’t trying to enhance my performance and that this was an inadvertent error.”

Club Chairman Chris Hamilton said: "We don’t condone any breach of doping regulations, but we supported David because we recognised it wasn’t an intentional breach.

“Players need to be careful and we will make sure ours are aware of the risks."