The Newcastle Knights have made the tough decision to sack rising star Dylan Phythian, after the 22-year-old returned two positive drug tests.
Under the NRL code, Knights chief executive Phil Gardner had the option of imposing a 12-week ban on Phythian and keeping him on board despite this being his second cocaine offence but instead decided to tear up his contract.
Dylan Phythian originated as a Belmont junior and has only played 3 games, scoring a try in one, before he ruptured his ACL which left him on the bench for a year.
In a statement, the club said "his behaviour is at odds with the culture we are building within the club."
The Knights will offer the young man counselling to deal with the blow.
