For the second time in less than a week, NSWRL has been forced to stand down a Group Seven player for alleged criminal charges.
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Following his appearance in Nowra Local Court on Monday, July 12 for multiple alleged drug-related offences, Zac Kershaw, who played for the Shellharbour Sharks this season, will be sidelined until all court proceedings are finalised - just days after Gerringong's Dylan Farrell was handed a similar sentence by NSWRL.
"Zac Kershaw has been issued a breach notice by the NSWRL arising out of circumstances relating to charges issued by NSW Police," a NSWRL spokesperson said.
"Kershaw has been suspended immediately from all rugby league activity, pending the outcome of court proceedings.
"Given the matter is before the courts, the NSWRL will not be making any further public comment."
Court papers said Kershaw, of South Nowra, was arrested on June 18 by the South Coast Police Proactive Crime Team.
The 30-year-old was taken to the Nowra Police Station and charged with supplying a prohibited drug, possessing a prohibited drug and participating in a criminal group to supply a prohibited drug.
According to court documents, police allege Kershaw supplied a quantity of cocaine between May 21 to June 18 this year in Worrigee, Nowra, South Nowra, Greenwell Point and Falls Creek.
Police further allege he was in possession of 28 grams of cocaine and Kalma-Alprazolam (anti-anxiety medication) when arrested.
Kershaw is also charged with participating in a criminal group.
Police allege he, along with five others, sourced cocaine via encrypted social media apps including Facebook Messenger, Instagram and WhatsApp on their phones to avoid detection by law enforcement.
Kershaw did not appear in Nowra Local Court on Monday, where he was represented by a solicitor via audiovisual link.
Kershaw has not yet entered a plea and his bail was continued.
The matter returns to Nowra Local Court on August 2.
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