QRL investigates party drug claims | Gympie Rugby League | NRL Rugby in Gympie

Queensland prop Steve Price is tackled during Queensland v New South Wales State of Origin Game 3 at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane.

AAP

THE Queensland Rugby League will investigate a claim some Maroons players took a home-made party drug amid extended partying before last week's State of Origin third match loss to NSW.

Queensland, who had already sealed a series victory, were beaten 28-16 at Suncorp Stadium in the July 15 "dead rubber" match.

QRL boss Ross Livermore said the organisation would launch an investigation after The Australian reported allegations some players were mixing prescription sleeping drug Stilnox with energy drink Red Bull.

The combination of the two is said to have a similar affect to taking cocaine and other party drugs, while allowing players to avoid testing positive as Stilnox is not on the World Anti-Doping Agency's prohibited drugs list.

"We will investigate it," Livermore told ABC Radio.

"But I'm not going to be punching at shadows while we have that meeting and evidence is brought forward.

"And if that substance does create a problem then there is a problem in the game."

The Australian reported officials from three NRL clubs were aware of allegations some players were using Stilnox in the Origin III.

"Inquiries...yesterday revealed the dangerous combination of Stilnox and Red Bull is in vogue with professional footballers across all codes," the newspaper said.

The Maroons have also been accused of other poor preparation for last week's loss after extended drinking sessions while in camp - including partying by some players at Surfers Paradise into early Tuesday morning, the day before the match.