Vikings back Cullen

Correspondent

Widnes have backed coach Paul Cullen after his comments on SKY Sports caused the RFL to ask him for an explanation.

Cullen offered his views on the question of drug abuse in relation to the news that Wakefield hooker Terry Newton has been provisionally suspended after failing a drugs test.

The RFL subsequently asked the former Warrington coach to explain his comments, and the Vikings issued a statement on their website earlier today.

It said: “Following Paul Cullen’s appearance on ‘Boots and All’ earlier this week, the RFL have said that they are going to write to Paul to seek clarification from him on some of the points he made during the course of the programme. Paul is away from the club today but he has confirmed that he looks forward to receiving a letter from the RFL.

“Paul and the Vikings’ view of the question of drug abuse in rugby league is that it is a pernicious problem which should be stamped out wherever and whenever it is discovered. In order to eradicate the problem of drug misuse we need constant vigilance in the monitoring and testing of players. We strongly support the RFLs testing regime and believe that even more resources need to be directed towards supporting its activities.”

“Greater vigilance and the creation of a ‘zero tolerance’ culture in the game will greatly assist the RFL in its efforts to eradicate any trace of drug misuse in our sport. Player education and the most stringent drug testing regime are essential in this process and the Vikings are fully behind the RFL in their commendable efforts in this regard.”