A NSW MP has called on the NRL in state parliament to “stop clutching their pearls” over the emergence of images showing Eels fullback Isaiah Iongi smoking an unknown substance.

Watch every game of every round of the Premiership Season LIVE with no ad-breaks during play on FOX LEAGUE, available on Kayo Sports | New to Kayo? Join now and get your first month for just $1.

The photos of 22-year-old Iongi, which leaked on social media on February 22, show last year’s NRL rookie of the year holding a pre-rolled paper in one hand while using a blue herb grinder with the other.

WHAT’S GAMBLING REALLY COSTING YOU? Set a deposit limit. For Free and confidential support call 1800 858 858 or visit gamblinghelponline.org.au.

Other leaked imagery captures Iongi lighting up the rolled up paper in a bathtub and smoking in a dark room.

Iongi lighting up and smoking unknown substance. Picture: SuppliedSource: Supplied Source Known

The pictures caused a stir with the NRL, who issued Iongi a breach notice on Monday for being featured in imagery that “brought the game into disrepute”.

Iongi and the Eels were given 5 business days to respond.

“The Parramatta Eels are aware of the breach notice issued by the NRL to Isaiah Iongi,” the club said in a statement.

“We will work with Isaiah to review the notice and respond accordingly as per the process.”

Iongi has seemingly avoided suspension over the scandal, and has even drawn allies within the NSW legislative council.

Jeremy Buckingham of NSW’s Legalise Cannabis Party, took aim at the NRL, Parramatta Eels and World Anti Doping Agency in an address to the legislative council.

Jeremy Buckingham of NSW’s Legalise Cannabis Party tells NRL to stop pearl clutching. Picture: InstagramSource: Supplied Source Known

“This house calls on, one, the WADA, NRL and Parramatta Eels to stop clutching their pearls and recognise the benefits of cannabis as a legitimate and therapeutic medicine,” Mr Buckingham said.

“Two, condemn the sanctioning of a dedicated athlete for simply and peacefully blazing a perfectly rolled spliff in the bath in the privacy of his own home.”

The date the pictures of Iongi were taken is unknown.

“It’s absolutely outrageous that this young man, who’s at the top of his game … is facing sanction from the NRL’s integrity unit for having been outed without his consent by a photo taken by another party purporting to show him smoking a ‘suspicious substance’,” Buckingham said.

“Now maybe that ‘suspicious substance’ is little bit of a cannabis. A spliff, a joint. Maybe he got a prescription. We don’t even know he’s doing anything criminal.

“And yet, the NRL has jumped in … and has essentially sent Parramatta a show-cause notice as to why he shouldn’t be suspended for a week.”

Shadow sports minister Natalie Ward, meanwhile, said she had not seen the pictures and “it could well have been parsley” or “could well have been a herb”.

Iongi will take the field on Saturday when Parramatta clash with the Penrith Panthers at CommBank stadium.