Burraston: its been difficult

Newcastle CEO Steve Burraston has admitted that events surrounding the arrest of Chris Houston on alleged drug offences have been difficult.

Second rower Houston has been stood down indefinitely by the club after his arrest on three counts of suppling drugs.

He has since been charged and will appear in court next month.

In a letter to supporters, Burraston said the club would continue its tough stance on ‘illicit behaviour’.

He said: “We must pay Chris Houston the respect of being innocent unless otherwise proven guilty through the legal process and I stress that this is a delicate and ongoing legal matter which is now before the courts.

We have every confidence in the Police and our legal system and we will continue to cooperate with their enquiries, however, I have reason to be confident yesterday’s events will bring closure to our clubs involvement in this matter.
 
“This is without doubt one of the most difficult and emotional episodes the Newcastle Knights have ever faced in our 23 year existence and there has never been a time when we have needed our sponsors, members and supporters more than we do now.”