Former NRL and State of Origin playmaker Jarrod Mullen will try to revive his career with the Sunshine Coast Falcons, after serving a four-year ban for anabolic steroid use.
The 33-year-old will start training with the Queensland Cup team on Monday, one day after his suspension ends.
Mullen joins the Falcons after a largely difficult absence from the sport.
He almost died of a cocaine overdose in 2018 and then in 2019 he pleaded guilty to drug trafficking and was subsequently given a two-year community corrections order.
Now, he’s rebuilding his life and is keen to make the most of his time at the Falcons, who are affiliated with the Melbourne Storm.
“I’m just excited to get back out on the training field with the boys,” Mullen said.
“I’d like to thank my family and friends for their support over the past four years and thank the Falcons for giving me this opportunity to get back on the field.
“I’ve learnt a lot about myself and faced some adversity during my time away from the game but that has only built up my resilience and I’ll be using that moving forward into the season ahead with the Falcons.”
Club CEO Chris Flannery said they were looking forward to having Mullen in their ranks.
“The Falcons are excited to give Jarrod an opportunity to play footy again.”
“Jarrod’s worked very hard to turn his life around over the last few years and has done everything required of him, personally and from a community perspective, to ensure that he’s ready to begin training again on Monday.”
“He’s eager to contribute positively back to the game that he loves, the community and the Falcons Football Club and we look forward to supporting him throughout the next phase of his football career.”
Obvious talent and experience
Mullen boasts plenty of skills.
A former Australian Schoolboys representative, he made his NRL debut in 2005 for Newcastle and ultimately played 211 games for the club during a 16-year stay, before he was suspended for four years due to anabolic steroid use.
He was selected as halfback for New South Wales in 2007, notching one game for the Blues.
“Obviously Jarrod is a very skilful player,” Flannery said.
“He’s got a lot of experience and we’ll look to bring that to the Falcons.
“It’s well documented he hasn’t played in four years, so it’s going to be a matter of him finding his way again.
“He’s been training really hard during that period (away from the game) and he’s no spring chicken, but he feels his body is in really good shape and he has something to offer.”
Set to play as starting No.6 for Falcons
Mullen has been earmarked as the Falcons’ starting five-eighth.
“We’ve got Todd Murphy in the halves and we’ll be looking for Jarrod to help steer the team around,” Flannery said.
“We won’t be looking for him to run the team or anything like that, we just want to provide him with the opportunity to slot back into rugby league and find his feet again.
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“His kicking game is fantastic (as is) his passing game and his running game.
“He’s played for New South Wales, so we know he’s got the skills and the talent but it’s just a matter of reconnecting on the footy field under pressure with those skills.
“He’s been training (individually) but he hasn’t played a game for four years so it’s going to be a bit of a learning curve for him but he’s excited and we’re excited to be able to provide him with the chance to get back on the footy field.
“At Jarrod’s age, the window for him to get back to the top level is getting smaller but he’s very determined.
“First, he’s got to play well for the Falcons, and we’ll see what transpires after that.”
The Falcons have trained with earnest this pre-season.
The 2021 state league is set to start on March 20.
