Warrior’s player Bodene Thompson has apologised to his family for his involvement in the prescription drug scandal that has rocked the Warriors. The back rower is the only player from the six dropped to reserve grade to be recalled to play Penrith this Saturday.
Warriors' second rower Bodene Thompson says his family has forgiven him for his indiscretion.
"Honestly, it was the best policy and we are dealing with it internally and they were sweet with that and I just needed to make sure they were all comfortable and obviously let them know what was going to come out in the media and everything came out and it wasn't a shock to them."
It has been the lowest point in his career, but he is determined to turn things around. Thompson has been named in the Warriors' starting line-up for the Panthers clash.
Warriors head coach Andrew McFadden says, "Look I said he has done his time and then it came down to I need to pick the best team for this weekend and he was a very good performer for us right throughout the season and he gets his chance to make up for it with his teams mates this week."
The embattled Warriors coaching staff have turned to former All Black coach Sir Graham Henry for help. He could have the cure to their many misfortunes.
He brings valued advice to players like Thompson, Manu Vatuvei, Ben Matulino, Sam Lisone and Albert Vete who all admitted to mixing prescription pills with energy drinks, although Konrad Hurrell denied taking the pills.
Thompson says, "It has been a long week and it feels like an eternity to everything that has gone on and I am just excited to be back this week."
Thompson is the only player of the six reprimanded to return to the run-on side in the number 11 jumper.
"They are all respected people and they know that they let themselves and their families down, they have come back and trained hard and slowly making their way back into the side”, says NZ warrior Shaun Johnson.
In addition, Ben Matulino has been named on the bench.