Houston faces drugs charges
03/01/2010 05:57:13 AM
Newcastle Knights forward Chris Houston has been stood down indefinitely by the club after he was charged with drug related offences on Monday.
Houston is the second Knights player hit with drug charges in as many months after his former house mate Danny Wicks was arrested in December.
The 25-year-old fully qualified school teacher is due to face court next month in what is another major blow for the embattled club.
He is facing one charge of supplying cocaine and three charges of supplying the drug ecstacy.
A statement from Houston's lawyers was released on Monday afternoon.
"In order that the team can remain focused on the competition ahead of them Chris has indicated a willingness to stand down from the Knights while the charges are before the court."
"In accordance with Knights policy Chris has been stood down pending the hearing of these charges. We ask that you respect Chris’ privacy and let the judicial process take its course unimpeded by the media."
The former St George Illawarra Dragons enforcer emerged as future representative forward last season in what was a breakout season for the Knights.