Sandor Earl is the man behind Phoenix on Gladiators 2024, and his character name is a subtle nod to his bad-boy past.
Sandor was banned from the NRL for drug use back in 2015. However, he’s now rising from the ashes and conquering the entertainment space once again.
“Bringing Phoenix to life couldn’t have been more fitting,” he told TV WEEK.
“Like many of us on the rollercoaster that is life, I’ve been through the highs and lows. Through the adversities and failures, I’ve seen the biggest growth and had the greatest lessons.”
Find out more about him.
Who did Sandor play for?
Sandor had a very successful career in NRL and played for Sydney Roosters, Penrith Panthers, Canberra Raiders, and the Melbourne Storm.
What’s this about drug use?
The Gladiator was accused of sourcing performance-enhancing drugs. The charges against Earl related between August 2, 2011 and September 12, 2011, while he was playing for the Panthers.
Sandor was found guilty of multiple charges and was given a four-year back-dated ban
He was found guilty of:
- use of CJC-1295 (eight violations);
- possession of CJC-1295;
- trafficking in Somatropin;
- trafficking in Clenbuterol;
- attempted trafficking in SARMS;
- attempted trafficking in testosterone.
Did Sandor return to the NRL after his ban?
He did! The NRL player returned to play for Melbourne Storm in 2018 but retired in 2020 due to an injury.
“It hasn’t always been a fairy tale story,” he told TV Week in relation to the charges. “My experiences in great teams, cultures, the highlights, the wins and overcoming major injuries have set me up for the rest of my life.”
Gladiators Australia 2024 airs on Sundays at 7:30pm on Channel 10 and 10Play.
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