At present, if a player returns a positive test to the NRL they receive counselling with a second positive test bringing a 12-week ban.

If a player test positive to ASADA, they are automatically banned for two years.    

Meninga’s plan would see a first-time drug offender fined and banned for three months.

A second drug-related indiscretion would see the player’s NRL contract torn up.

“If you’ve brought the game into disrepute, you should cop the consequences,” Meninga told The Courier-Mail.

“Call me harsh, call me old-fashioned, but the game needs a stronger stance. The NRL’s drugs policy is too lenient because players keep doing it.

“We need a real deterrent. The first offence is you don’t play the game for 12 weeks and if you do it again, you should be deregistered.

“If a player can’t do the right thing by the game, armed with all the education the NRL provides, they shouldn’t be in our game.

“As soon as a player signs a contract with the National Rugby League, they are accountable for their behaviour. That’s where we need to take this.

“It’s a generalisation to say all NRL players don’t behave. It’s probably 1 per cent of the game that steps out of line, but if they do, the game should come down harshly on them.

“Players can’t claim to be in the dark. They understand the risks they take, they know the harmful effects it has on the game so don’t get into drugs — simple as that.

“There are no excuses in my eyes.”

Meninga applauded Kiwis coach David Kidwell’s decision to band captain Jesse Bromwich and team mate Kevin Proctor from the World Cup after alleged drug use on Saturday night.

The Australian coach said he would exclude any player who dabbled in drugs.  

“Taking drugs is against the Kangaroos’ core value systems,” Meninga said.

“If any player transgresses (by using drugs), they will give someone else an opportunity to play for Australia.

“Once you put the Australian jersey on, you accept a role-model status for rugby league.

“The Kangaroos players I’ve brought in, I’ve made it clear, if you want to wear this jersey, you have to make sure you do the right thing and do everything you can to protect the game.

“Taking drugs is illegal. Society says you can’t do it, so why should we tolerate it in our game? It’s time individuals took responsibility for doing the right thing.”