Rabbitohs pair discharged from hospital

Walker – 20 – and Gray – 21 – left St. Vincent’s Hospital in Sydney this afternoon, having fully recovered from the overdose that, were it not for the presence of others on the scene, could have turned tragic in a big hurry.

Flanked by ashen-faced friends and family, both players emerged to thank staff before saying their experience should be a warning to others.

“In terms of personal responsibility we have realised that some of our players have made errors and it is important that that recognition is made”, he said.

Rabbitohs CEO John Lee said the first step is to recognise that Walker and Gray had made a mistake, but that sometimes players must make take steps to ensure they play if able.

“It’s a lesson we have learned and we hope everyone can take a lesson out of this”.

Dylan Walker and Aaron Gray outside hospital.

On a day when the NRL has said it does not believe the issue of the misuse of prescription drugs is a widespread one it does acknowledge players could be manipulating the monitoring process and players who have concerns are being urged to speak up.

Last year, in a bid to clamp down on the abuse of painkillers, the NRL introduced urine testing for two classes of prescription drugs – Benzodiazepines (such as Valium, Serepax and Mogadon) and Zolpidems (such as Stilnox).

“We want to be at the forefront of a new trial, a voluntary trial for testing of prescribed for prescription medications through hair follicles”.

Lee said illicit drugs were not involved in the incident, though the club was still investigating.

Weeks said the NRL’s has more comprehensive prescription drug testing than any other sporting body in the country.

He said they had taken more than their prescribed dose during a movie night at Gray’s house.

“So we will sit down and talk with Souths about the opportunity for the NRL and RLPA to oversee the operation and data collection from follicle testing of players at the club”, the spokesman said. Those matters are still pending.

“We have learned our lessons, hopefully people can learn from our mistake – not just in rugby league, but everywhere”, Gray said.

“We are still collecting that information but I think we have to understand, when you have just witnessed two young men, whose physical health is on the improve, that we need to take the right time to ask the right questions”.