According to sources close to the investigation, the star forwardโs test allegedly contained aย prohibited performanceโenhancing compound, the specifics of which have not yet been publicly confirmed by the governing authorities. The National Rugby League (NRL) Integrity Unit is believed to be handling the case alongside Sport Integrity Australia.
In a terse statement released late today, the NRL said:
โAn adverse analytical finding has been detected in an outโofโcompetition sample taken from Canberra Raiders captain Joseph Tapine. As a result, Mr Tapine has been stood down from all participation under the NRLโs antiโdoping policy pending the outcome of an independent tribunal hearing.โ
This is a stunning reversal of fortune for the 30โyearโold Kiwi international, who was recently lauded for his leadership in guiding the Raiders to one of their best starts in seasons.
Reactions Across Rugby League
Fans and former players have taken to social media to express disbelief.
โJoe is one of the most respected forwards in the game โ this canโt be realโฆโ wrote one fan.
While others called for transparency from the Raiders and the NRL.
The Raiders club released a short note stating they are cooperating fully with the investigation and are โdeeply concerned by the situation,โ while also stressing that Tapine isย entitled to a fair hearing before any final verdict is reached.
What Happens Next?
Under the NRL and World AntiโDoping Agency (WADA) regulations, an athlete with an adverse analytical finding is provisionally suspended until a hearing determines whether an actual violation occurred. If found guilty, sanctions can range from months to multiโyear bans depending on the substance involved and whether intentional use is established.
Teammates and staff are understood to beย devastatedย by the news, with many rallying behind Tapine as the case unfolds.
Impact on the Raiders Season
Canberra now faces a major leadership void in the middle of the campaign. Tapine was not only captain but also a key onโfield strategist and defensive anchor. Fans will be watching closely to see how the Raiders navigate the coming weeks โ and whether the club can recover from what some are already calling the most explosive offโfield saga in recent NRL history.
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