NRL head of football Todd Greenberg denies that Cronulla reaching the grand final would be difficult for the code if the Sharks are still under an anti-doping investigation.
The prospect of fifth-placed Cronulla playing in the October 6 season decider appeared more realistic after they dismantled the ladder-leading Sydney Roosters in a 32-22 win on Monday night, securing their spot in the finals.
The AFL was at pains to head off a similar scenario with Essendon, securing an interim report from the Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority on their ongoing investigation into that club’s controversial 2012 supplements program ahead of the finals series.
However the NRL has been steadfast from day one of ASADA’s probe into rugby league and Cronulla’s 2011 supplements program that it will take no action until the ASADA investigation is finished.
ASADA interviews with Cronulla players were only completed last week, leaving the likelihood the investigation will still be going during, and after, the NRL finals.
The possibility of the Sharks winning the first premiership in their 46-year history would seem a worry for the code should the club subsequently face sanctions, even though the period being investigated dates back to 2011.
Hypothetically, it could force them to consider taking 2014 competition points from the reigning premiers.
But Greenberg, who’s only been in his new role for less than month, insisted it’s a scenario that’s not being discussed in the corridors of power at Rugby League Central.
“I don’t think it would be (a difficult problem),” said Greenberg.
“(NRL CEO) Dave Smith has spoken about this already and I am going to say the same thing, (the ASADA probe) is a serious issue and we are taking it seriously.
“It’s my information the investigation is some way from being completed.
“It’s really important we don’t pre-judge it and we wait for the facts.
“When we have the facts, we’ll act upon them.
“I have no idea of that timeframe. We will be led by ASADA and what they tell us.”
Cronulla chief executive Steve Noyce said the club were basking in the satisfaction of the win over the Roosters less than a month after they were hammered 40-0 by Trent Robinson’s side.
And, despite all the turmoil surrounding the Sharks, the veteran administrator saw little sign of stress among the players and staff.
“I admire the leadership that (coach) Shane Flanagan has shown and I admire the resolve from the players and the Shire is right behind the team,” Noyce told AAP.
“I’ve been here four months now and I sense externally there’s more talk about (the investigation) than internally. The interviews have been ongoing and they are all finished now.
“I am sure the players sense that there’s support from head office, support from their managers and support from their families and certainly support from the NRL.
“It’s a feeling of everyone sticking together.”
Crosscoder
Roar Guru
That is assuming of course all are guilty. How about letting justice take its course as Greenberg is doing,and some here should have done when the Stewart case was being heard. How can it be discussed prematurely by the NRL,as there can be a myriad of possibilities and outcomes.Sitting back and saying what if this or what if that,when what if something else is the result.That is amateurish. A judge cannot make a decision on a case until all facts presented and the jury makes the verdict.
V.O.R.
Guest
Not quite what I was alluding to....I'm suggesting that it would be unwise for the NRL not to have discussed some strategy should a team be removed while playing in the finals or being found guilty of cheating having won the premiership. I'm sure it has been discussed despite what Greenberg says. It may just be that they have the inside word that any big moves will be made within the next fortnight.
Dogs Of War
Roar Guru
Hard to discuss something until a proper investigation has completed it's course. Before then you would only be speculating on the severity which is hardly something the NRL should be doing.
V.O.R.
Guest
so it's a gamble..... My point stands....unless they know that it will get sorted before the finals that is.
Marldon
Guest
This is the correct answer from Greenberg but he and the whole of NRL headquarters will be secretly praying that the sharks don't reach the big one.
V.O.R.
Guest
"But Greenberg, who’s only been in his new role for less than month, insisted it’s a scenario that’s not being discussed in the corridors of power at Rugby League Central." ...why not? Amateurs.
turbodewd
Guest
Todd Greenburg has been very very quiet. Happy to give him 12 mths to get something done. Hopefully he will fix some of the myriad of problems that the NRL and RL has. The game has so much potential but its a complete ramshackle at the moment.
Clevo
Guest
True. It's not really fair players like Todd carney, Fifita, Robson, flash gordon, de gois, heighening, Gibbs, Lewis and other reasons why they could win a comp when only a small portion of the team of 2011 are still there and really I'd only say that Gallen and Graham are the only vital players of that bunch contributing to their success now
Pest
Guest
You've been calling for there demise , now this ? Is it no wonder people ...............................
oikee
Guest
In Todd we trust. I am warming to the Sharks. Penalties can be applied next year. Alot of their players were not involved anyhow. They have introduced alot of players from other clubs, and a few of the guys in the probe are not playing this year for the sharkies. Yes, i am happy to wait for the final outcome, report, before i sink the boot in, as for now, i am happy to be watching the Sharkies play good footy. The Storm went through sitting out a year, look at them now, do the punishment, do the time and move on.
Clevo
Guest
Take their 2011 points from them and be done with it