FIVE players at Cronulla during the club's controversial 2011 supplements program received show-cause notices at a series of meetings yesterday with the Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority (ASADA) and the NRL.
They are captain Paul Gallen, Wade Graham, Nathan Gardner, Anthony Tupou and retiring hooker John Morris.
The meetings were held at a series of venues in Sydney's central business district and 17 players were set to be issued notices by ASADA.
ASADA released a statement, saying notices related "to the use of prohibited substances, CJC-1295 and GHRP-6 during the 2011 season".
"The decision to issue 'show cause' notices by ASADA CEO Ben McDevitt is based on evidence collected during the 16-month investigation," the statement read.
"Before issuing the 'show cause' notices, the evidence was reviewed by former Federal Court judge Garry Downes and ASADA senior legal counsel.
"Based on his assessment of the evidence, the ASADA CEO has reached the conclusion that the players have a case to answer under the World Anti-Doping Code.
"Once the ASADA CEO reaches a conclusion that a possible violation has happened, it is his duty under legislation to put formal allegations to players and invite them to respond.
"Players have 10 days to lodge a submission in response to the 'show cause' notices. This information and the evidence collected by ASADA will be put to the independent anti-doping rule violation panel for consideration."
An NRL spokesman said: "We are aware that ASADA has begun the process of issuing show cause notices to certain players who were at Cronulla in 2011.
"This is a process that may or may not lead to players being placed on the register of findings. This process is governed by the National Anti-Doping Scheme and players have been invited to make submissions to ASADA in response to the notices."
A Cronulla spokesman said five players contracted to the club have received the 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 spokesman said.
"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.
"At this point in time, Cronulla Sharks Football Club will be making no further comment on any matter relating to the ASADA investigation or the developments today."
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