UPDATE 2.30pm:
Cronulla Sutherland Sharks Football Club has officially responded to the ongoing Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority (ASADA) investigation.
A media statement released today said that it had been advised that five players contracted to the club had received ‘‘show cause’’ notices from ASADA.
‘‘Players have been offered a proposal regarding a possible suspension which they need to consider before the weekend, with the players to consult with their legal representatives over the next two days in relation to their individual circumstances,’’ the statement read.
‘‘The Sharks will continue to act in the best interests of the players and are providing on-going support to those issued with the notices and others in the club.
‘‘Solicitors acting for the players will continue to manage the process on their behalf.
‘‘The club will be making no further comment on any matter relating to the ASADA investigation or the developments today.’’
Earlier story:
Players involved at Cronulla during the club's controversial 2011 supplements program have been told they will receive show-cause notices at a series of meetings with ASADA and the NRL on Wednesday.
Up to 17 players are set to be issued notices as the anti-doping body attempts to bring the protracted saga to a head. Fairfax Media revealed three months ago that number were in ASADA's sites. The players, who will have 10 days to respond from the moment they receive the notice, face the prospect of up to two years on the sidelines.
Former ASADA lawyer Richard Redman, who represents a number of Sharks players, and skipper Paul Gallen's legal representative, Stephen Glass, declined to comment.
The meetings were held at a series of locations in Sydney's central business district, with reporters spotting Cronulla winger Nathan Gardner chauffering some of his teammates to the "information session".
The players could receive a six-month ban should they provide "substantial assistance" which results in the convictions of fellow players or staffers. Should that be the case, the majority of the bans would be served in the off season, resulting in just a handful of matches being missed.
Sharks quartet Wade Graham, John Morris, Anthony Tupou and Gardner have just left the offices of Redman, who represents 10 of the players involved.
There are 10 players from the 2011 squad still playing in the NRL who may be affected: Gallen, Graham, Tupou and Gardner, Gold Coast’s Luke Douglas and Albert Kelly, Newcastle’s Kade Snowden and Jeremy Smith, Warriors forward Jayson Bukuya and North Queensland back Matthew Wright.
Earlier today, Gallen spoke about the drama on Sydney radio.
