According to 9 News Perth the former Eagle has been ordered to complete extra rehabilitation and won't be eligible for release at the end of the month, as expected.

Cousins' lawyer Michael Tudori told the news outlet that the 38-year-old failed a drug test but insisted it happened when he was first remanded in custody and that "he is currently drug free and in positive spirits".

"When Mr Cousins was first remanded in custody he tested positive to an illicit substance on one occasion," his lawyer said.

"He is currently drug free."

After almost six months in jail for repeatedly breaching a violence restraining order against his ex-partner, the father-of-two is supposed to be eligible for parole in two weeks.

His application has been delayed after the parole board ordered him to complete further rehabilitation courses at Acacia prson, east of Perth.