Actually a very valid point you make

Not disagreeing with you, but I think its because alcohol is not illegal, and cocaine is a class a drug and illegal, is the reason for different punishment. Think the 2 year ban from the sport is very harsh, not like its a performance enhancing drug.

Some experts will argue coke IS performance enhancing.

Just admit it like Keith Senior did then you get away with it

In the bedroom maybe, not on a football pitch

There may be a two year ban but it seems unlikely there will be a prosecution and ensuing criminal record for the offence of possession of a class A drug.

Good point

Cocaine can give you a performance enhancement in the first 10-15 minutes from taking it, allows a higher level of intensity, it can also be used to help reduce body fat.



Your statement about coke taking as having no effect on others aside from the taker?? Have a long hard think about it and understand why that is just not the case.
So, no, the priorities are not wrong.
whilst RL as a sport is concerned about what players do as a whole it is mainly one that effects individuals/teams with regard to rugby league. So a banned substance, cheating, breaking the rules (Like Leeds dodgy letting Hunslet players train with Leeds scenario) come under the auspices of the RFL.

What they cannot do is get involved (from a puishment POV) for things that don't effect RL in the same way, drink driving is a criminal offence and will be on Talanoa's record as such for the period of his ban. That means he might be refused entry to some countries, might not gain employment as he has to declare that criminal offence.
Yes there was the potential to involve others and ultimately IF he had seriously injured or killed someone whilst DD he would have had a far far stiffer penalty. You would also expect the RFL to educate players of all ages about certain aspects of life that could don't in themselves break the sports rules (such as drink driving etc)
What the police did/do with regard to RL players (or any sportsperson) found to have tested positive for illegal drugs (not banned drugs) is up to them.

One last thing, lowering the current blood alcohol limits makes no logical sense (See other countries with lower limits and their HIGHER alcohol death rates), as for 'zero' tolerance, not even workable in any way shape or form, what is needed is better education, better enforcement of the current law and tightening up the if you're a couple of mg over then we let you off policy the police adopt as well as the ridiculous situation of people with 12 points not being banned due to some 'hardship' bollux. Also heavily fining pubs/clubs that serve alcohol to those clearly already drunk.

Hope he's learned his lesson. drinkdriving has no excuse

"Idiot" is too light a term for this offence IMO. Absolutely awful and inexcusable.