The Roar
The Roar

Advertisement

RLPA content with doping protection

6th February, 2013
17

Rugby League Players’ Association boss David Garnsey is confident NRL players are not being asked to sign waivers in relation to supplements being supplied by clubs.

The anti-doping scandal which has engulfed AFL club Essendon has stretched its tentacles to the NRL, via the cross-code employment of sport scientist Stephen Dank.

As part of the revelations which came to light on Tuesday, a former Bombers’ player claimed teammates had been asked to sign a form that effectively made them responsible for their supplement use.

But Garnsey was quick to dismiss fears NRL players had similarly been left in the lurch by their clubs.

“I’d be very surprised if a player had not told me about that,” Garnsey said when asked if he knew of players signing waivers.

“I’m assuming with some confidence that doesn’t go on.”

NRL club Manly moved quickly on Wednesday to clear themselves of any wrongdoing, having employed Dank from 2006 to 2010.

Dank’s name has been linked to the supplement inquiry enveloping Essendon, with the Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority (ASADA) and the league’s integrity unit asked to look into possible misuse of supplements by players last season.

Advertisement

Dank left the Bombers midway through last season.

The Sea Eagles released a statement expressing confidence no rules were broken.

“The Manly Warringah Sea Eagles employed Stephen Dank in an official capacity as a consultant between 2006 and 2010,” it said.

“During that time, we never had any concerns.

“We always complied with all anti-doping protocols of the WADA Code and the NRL.

“The club will make no further comment.”

The NRL declined to comment on the issue, with the league intent on awaiting the outcome of the investigation into the Bombers before making any move.

Advertisement
close