Former Newcastle forward Danny Wicks' dramatic fall continues with the NRL banning him for four years following his admission of drug trafficking.

Wicks, who is still awaiting sentence from a court after pleading guilty to three counts of supplying drugs, will not be able to play rugby league again until September 2014.

The NRL suspension adheres to the World Anti-Doping Authority's four-year minimum ban for trafficking.

The NRL anti-doping rules provide for a player to accept a penalty without a hearing where the facts are not in dispute.

Last November Wicks pleaded guilty in court to two counts of supplying methyl amphetamine and one count of supplying 150 ecstasy tablets.

"The case is a reminder to all players of the dangers of any association with illegal substances," NRL chief executive David Gallop said in a statement.

The ruling came a day after Parramatta lower-grade duo Tom Humble and Brendan Oake were told they were free to play again after provisional suspensions for accidentally taking a banned stimulant.

It also came as former Test star Reni Maitua returned to training with the Eels after two-year ban.

Maitua tested positive to Clenbuterol, which he has admitted he used to mask recreational drug use.

The 28-year-old former Canterbury and Cronulla utility is likely to turn out for Parramatta's NSW Cup side Wentworthville next weekend and could be ready for first grade in three weeks.

"Mooks (coach Stephen Kearney) has just said 'when you're right you can play' and I'm hoping I'll be playing next week," Maitua told reporters on Friday.

"I've done everything as best I could to prepare ... I'm down in weight to when I was playing before but nothing prepares you for match fitness.

"In two or three games hopefully I'm back to where I need to be."

Maitua said he wouldn't be the answer to Parramatta's on-field problems, with the club notching just three wins so far this year.

"I want to be a boost for them around here and at training but I don't think they expect me to do too much for them on the field just yet," he said.

"I'm a senior player now and I'll do as much as I can around the place to help lift them obviously, but I don't think I'll be turning the season around just yet."

Kearney said the break could work in Maitua's favour.

"The penalty's fairly severe and I'm sure he sees it as the opportunity to get himself back on track," Kearney said.

"I'm sure two years has given him a lot of time to have a think about things, seeing ex-teammates running around, so I'm confident he's fine.

"Sometimes those types of adversities are a blessing in disguise for players, as long as they learn from them and come back with an attitude of making sure they get things right the next time round."

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