FOR THE second week in succession, Gold Coast has left Harley Bennell out of its team.

The Suns released a statement on Thursday afternoon saying the 22-year-old would not line up against the Western Bulldogs in Cairns on Saturday.

Bennell was caught up in a drugs drama last week when photographs were published of him in a Tasmanian hotel room in 2013 with allegedly illicit drugs.

He did not play against North Melbourne last Saturday.

Gold Coast CEO Andrew Travis said there was no timeframe on Bennell's return, and the West Australian's welfare remained the club's priority.

"It has been agreed that it is not in his best interests to play this weekend," Travis said.

"The club, our medical and support staff, the AFLPA and Harley's manager continue to work collaboratively to ensure he receives and has access to the best possible support.

"Our chief medical officer, in consultation with others working through this process with Harley, will again determine next week whether Harley will be available for team selection.

"The club acknowledges its responsibilities to our members, fans, partners and the wider AFL community, and maintains a strong belief that the duty of care to our employees is also paramount at this time."