Drug Free Sport New Zealand says it's disturbed by reports members of the Warriors have been getting high by mixing prescription drugs and energy drinks.
Warriors winger Manu Vatuvei is one of six players stood down for 'breaching team protocol' Photo: Photosport
The country's top rugby league club stood players down for "breaching team protocol" in the wake of their 42 point loss to the Melbourne Storm.
They have refused to confirm reports that five of the players, including stars Manu Vatuvei and Ben Matulino, were mixing prescription drugs and energy drinks
Drug Free Sport NZ chief executive Graeme Steel told Morning Report he did not have any concerns that Red Bull was a major sponsor of the team, but rather the way the players behaved.
"Red Bull is not prohibited and players are therefore free to use it, but the way these players have combined it seemingly with other prescription drugs leads to a mindset that we do not want in players."
Mr Steel said the players' conduct contradicted a recent campaign promoting the Warriors as role models in schools