Knights chief speaks out

Newcastle chief Steve Burraston has defended the club's 'strong anti-drug culture' after Chris Houston on Monday became the second Knights player in three months to be charged with drug-related offences.

Houston will appear in court next month to answer three charges of supplying cocaine and one of supplying the drug ecstasy.

The 25-year-old's former team-mate Danny Wicks is facing similar charges following his arrest in December.

"We appreciate everyone's concerns on this matter," Burraston said in a statement on Tuesday.

"As much as we would like to be able to answer the many questions people have the fact remains that this is a legal matter and it is the police and not the Newcastle Knights who are privy to the actual information that led to this development."

"The Knights are not aware of anything other than a strong anti-drug culture within our club and our testing regime reinforces that view."

Houston, who is considered a future leader at the club, was stood down indefinitely a matter of hours after he was charged.

But Burraston was quick to point out that the club's swift action does not mean the Knights believe Houston is guilty of any of the alleged offences.

"The decision to stand Chris down is not a reflection of our view as to guilt or innocence but recognition of the seriousness of the matter and of where his energies must now be focused," he said.

"We will not condone any illegal activity but we will also defend the right of any individual to be judged innocent until proven otherwise."

"The Knights remain totally committed to addressing any issues that may arise should they be identified at any time but we remain equally confident about the processes we have in place and of the strong community standards that are a part of the entire Knights organisation."

"We remain committed to strong and effective education programs and to taking every step to ensure that the fans and the parents and families of our players can have faith in our organisation."