Cowboys star Valentine Holmes has been issued with a breach notice following an investigation by the NRL integrity unit into a photo which surfaced with the State of Origin centre holding a bag of white powder.
"It is alleged Holmes engaged in conduct which has brought the game and his club into disrepute by publicly associating the game with illegal drugs," the NRL noted in a brief statement.
Valentine Holmes issued with breach notice following NRL investigation into social media post
The 28-year-old finished up his season a number of weeks ago due to suspension for an on-field incident, with North Queensland missing out on the finals following their Round 27 loss to Penrith.
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Holmes posted the image on his Instagram story last Saturday night, but it has since been deleted.
The club released the following statement on Sunday afternoon regarding the incident and investigation.
“The North Queensland Cowboys are aware of a photo posted to social media by a Cowboys player this morning,” it said.
“The club is conducting an investigation as well as assisting the NRL Integrity Unit.
“The Cowboys will make no further comment until the investigations are completed.”
The punishment for Holmes' indiscretion, which he has been given five business days to respond to, is yet to be disclosed.
This will remain the case until the Queenslander has had time to respond to the breach and the matter is finalised, according to the new Collective Bargaining Agreement with the RLPA.
Holmes played 18 games this year for the Cowboys, crossing for six tries, and is contracted to the club until the end of the 2025 season.
The Sporting News has opted not to publish the photo of Holmes.
