Bronson Xerri, one of the code's brightest talents is facing a four-year doping ban after failing a sanctioned drugs test that was conducted last November.

Only days away from the NRL's restart after COVID shut down the competition, the news has shaken the club as the young centre is viewed as one of the future stars for the next generation.

ASADA officials have seized Xerri's phone and is now under further investigation which will be followed by possible sanctions.

The Provisional Suspension Notice states that the 19-year-old returned a positive A-sample for various substances banned by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) and the NRL's Anti-Doping Policy.

The club released a statement on Tuesday:

“The (NRL) has provisionally suspended Cronulla Sharks player Bronson Xerri under the NRL’s Anti-Doping Policy.

“The Suspension Notice asserts Xerri returned a positive A-sample for exogenous Testosterone, Androsterone, Etiocholanolone and 5b-androstane-3a,17b-diol.”

“Bronson has been stood down from training and playing responsibilities while the process runs its course.

“The Club has been in contact with Bronson and has offered him full welfare support as he deals with this situation.”

The Sharks are pitted to face the Wests Tigers this coming Saturday though Xerri will be unavailable to play.

He will have his B sample tested in the coming days.