- Ex-Knights star details his terrifying drug overdose
- Jarrod Mullen says he was taking his last breaths
- Set to make his triumphant rugby league comeback
Former Newcastle Knights star Jarrod Mullen has opened up about his battle with a drug addiction that almost killed him, as he prepares to make bombshell return to rugby league.
Once a prodigious talent and the heir apparent to footy Immortal Andrew Johns, Mullen’s career took a massive turn in 2017 when he tested positive to steroids, resulting in a four-year suspension.
Mullen’s life quickly spiralled out of control with the footy star becoming a cocaine addict and drug dealer who was snorting ‘three grams in half a day’ to cope with the end of his career.
Reflecting on his lowest point, Mullen spoke of the drug overdose in 2018 that almost claimed his life.
‘Mum (Leeann) and Dad (Steve) texted me to say they were coming to see me to take me out for lunch on the Sunday,’ he told News Corp.
‘So I had to try and get the heart-rate down because I was too wired so I took some Xanax and OxyContin to calm me. I went home and all I remember is putting on the TV and then waking up in the ambulance with mum beside me.
Jarrod Mullen has spoken about the drug addiction that almost killed him in 2018
Mullen, a former halfback, played 211 games for the Newcastle Knights after debuting as a teenager. He represented NSW in State of Origin in 2007
‘When Mum and Dad came home and I was choking, grey and pretty much taking my last breaths so they called the ambulance just in time.
‘Apparently if Mum and Dad had turned up 20 minutes later then I was pretty much gone. It was a close call.
‘As I said, I was taking my last breaths. Mum and Dad picked me up and dragged me outside and waited for the ambulance.
‘They obviously still have mental scars from all that, seeing their son nearly die. They didn’t know how much I was using.’
Since that overdose, the former Blues halfback has worked tirelessly to rebuild his life and hasn’t touched drugs since.
‘I was in hospital (after the overdose) and then went into rehab for 30 days in Sydney. I stopped then and haven’t gone back. I don’t miss it at all,’ he said.
However, he is still angry over being betrayed by a mate over the 2017 drug test result that ruined his first-grade career.
‘There was someone outside the club who the boys knew who f***ed me over back then,’ he said.
The Knights star (pictured arriving at Newcastle Court) started taking cocaine on a daily basis after his career finished
Mullen (pictured with Tamara Chessell) has been clean since 2018 and is on the verge of making his return to rugby league
‘We were mates and he didn’t back me up. That was the lowest point because everyone still thinks I did the wrong thing.
‘What was put into my system stays there for six months. We were tested every two to three weeks so why would I go out and do something that would jeopardise my career when it stays in your system for six months?’
Mullen now runs his own coaching business and has managed to get himself back into excellent shape.
This weekend he will make his footy comeback with group three side the Port City Breakers – who take on rival club the Port Macquarie Sharks.
‘It’s a local derby, a grudge match,’ Mullen said.
‘I’m playing for Port City because I have family around the Taree, Wingham and Krambach areas. It’s bit quieter up here rather than busy Newcastle.
‘After what happened to me in Newcastle, there are a few demons back there and, to be honest, I needed a change. I train every day doing gym work, that’s more of a mental thing.
‘I’ve really worked hard on my body and it’s probably the best shape I’ve been in since I stopped playing.’
