BY CURTIS WOODWARD

Newcastle Knights veteran Jarrod Mullen faces a lengthy spell on the sidelines which could end his career after returning a positive A-sample for Drostanolone, against the laws of the World Anti-Doping Agency.

The failed test came in November of 2016 as the Knights resumed their pre-season training. Mullen has been provisionally suspended by the NRL.

Mullen can now have his Sample B tested or accept his fate.

“The Provisional Suspension Notice asserts that Mr Mullen returned a positive A-sample for an anabolic steroid, Drostanolone which is prohibited by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) and the NRL’s Anti-Doping Policy. He was tested by the Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority (ASADA) on November 29, 2016” the NRL said in a statement.

“Mr Mullen is prohibited from participating in any WADA compliant sport, including Rugby League, while the provisional suspension is in place.

“Under the Anti-Doping Policy, Mr Mullen now has the opportunity to have his B-sample analysed.

“The NRL will not be making further comment while this process is under way.

https://twitter.com/SkyNewsSport/status/821231522132832256

#NRL If B sample comes back positive, Jarrod Mullen's NRL career is done. Is it that bigger loss for Newcastle if no Mullen? No.

— Crowdiegal (@crowdiegal) January 17, 2017

https://twitter.com/Nova969News/status/821231189147021312

Knights CEO Matt Gidley expressed his disappointment at the news that one of Newcastle’s longest-serving players had tested positive for steroids.

“The club is obviously extremely disappointed,” Gidley said.

“The club has a strict governance program, the players are regularly educated and fully aware of the consequences of going outside our governance guidelines.

“From here, there is a formal process we need to follow under the guidelines.

“We need to respect the process and in the interim the club will continue to monitor Jarrod’s welfare.”

Mullen’s career seems to be finished as Knights coach Nathan Brown tries to pick up the pieces.

Newcastle are favourites to win a third consecutive wooden spoon.

@woodward_curtis