The doping scandal that is engulfing rugby league and in Australian sport in general has yet to reveal the main culprits.
But one that seems to be in the crosshairs, though nothing has yet to been proven, is the Manly Sea Eagles. My NRL club.
Manly’s association with ‘sports scientist’ Stephen Dank, the Essendon-linked individual who provided the club’s players with supplements from 2006-2010, has raised eyebrows. And it should.
If cycling has taught us anything, it is through tracking the dodgy doctors and health gurus and their association with athletes that eventually leads to discoveries.
Just take a look at Lance Armstrong’s pal, Michele Ferrari.
If Dank has been providing performance-enhancing or illegal products to Essendon, odds on he may have been doing it at Manly. It stands to reason.
Of course there is no proof as of at yet, no positive tests or convictions. There is only speculation at this stage. But after the calves blood revelation of a few years ago, questions need to be asked.
As a Manly fan I want my club to be upfront, honest and open about their dealings with Dank and their efforts in sports science.
Assist the NRL, ASDA and any other regulatory bodies in their investigations in every way. Get the CEO David Perry, coach Geoff Toovey and captain Jamie Lyon in front of the media and be transparent.
This is not a time to shut up shop, decline to comment and be obstructive.
If Manly is guilty – and I hope to hell they aren’t – then they should get the book thrown at them. And deservedly so. No player, coach or official should be spared.
Doping in NRL has the potential to be as damaging as the salary cap rorts and Ryan Tandy scandal. We are talking about the integrity and the soul of the competition.
It is for the good of the game, and its future, that we are all vigilant on this issue and act as cooperatively as possible. A lot is riding on it.
Follow John on Twitter @johnnyddavidson
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