Corey Norman is not expected to receive any punishment from St George Illawarra or the NRL after a potentially damaging video of the new Dragons signing was released on social media.
The footage shows Norman and another high-profile Australian sports star laughing in the presence of a man snorting a line of white powder.
Norman has previously been fined and suspended while at Parramatta for a number of off-field incidents.
But the Dragons issued a statement on Monday night, saying the Norman footage was filmed a number of years ago and the recruit would not face any sanctions from the club or the NRL.
“The St George Illawarra Dragons have been made aware of a video circulating on social media of Corey Norman from several years ago.
“The Dragons informed the NRL Integrity Unit on Monday afternoon. The Integrity Unit have since confirmed they have previously been made aware of the footage and dealt with it accordingly at the time.
“The club will make no further comment.”
Norman – who gained a release from Parramatta last month – is expected to play in the halves for the Dragons alongside Ben Hunt, with captain Gareth Widdop to move to fullback.
Young star Matt Dufty is likely to move to the wing or be forced to start the season in reserve grade.
It has already been a tumultuous off-season for St George Illawarra.
Dragons and NSW forward Jack de Belin was charged with alleged sexual assault after an incident involving a woman and Shellharbour man Callan Sinclair.
The pair will front court over the charge in February, days before St George Illawarra’s first trial game against Newcastle at Jubilee Stadium, Kogarah.
It also follows revelations Widdop wants to leave the club at the end of the season to return to England to finish his professional career.
