The NRL wants the ASADA investigation to come to a head as quickly as possible, even if show-cause notices arrive on the eve of the game's State of Origin showpiece.
Chief operating officer Jim Doyle anticipates show-cause notices for NRL players aren't far away, after ASADA's move to issue Essendon footballers with the letters on Thursday.
Given the bombshell created by the AFL announcement, the NRL could expect similar shock waves, and the timing is far from ideal with Origin II on next Wednesday.
Former High Court judge Garry Downers reviewed ASADA's evidence and then advised the doping authority to proceed with notices against 34 Essendon players, which it did swiftly.
Indications are that Downers will shift his focus to the NRL.
Doyle said the NRL could not control the timing of the next major step in the investigation, but said the frustrating waiting game had gone on long enough.
"It would appear from what they did yesterday with the AFL that everything is coming to a head which is really positive," said Doyle on Friday.
"For us, timing is not really something we can really concern ourselves with. We have to work with ASADA and the timing will be the timing. It's how we deal with it when we get the information.
"No doubt it's taking too long. We're focusing very much on getting it done - working with them to get the outcome as soon as we can."
ASADA boss Ben McDevitt said in a television interview on Friday that the circumstances confronting the Essendon club were entirely different to the NRL situation, which centred on the supplement program at Cronulla in 2011.
The Sharks understand that allegations against them relate to a very small period of time, whereas there are more systematic claims levelled against the Bombers.
The WADA code specifies a minimum two-year suspension for athletes found guilty of taking performance-enhancing drugs, however McDevitt said on radio on Friday that Essendon players could have up to a year slashed off their bans if they proved they were duped by those in charge of looking after their welfare.
Bans could be reduced to six months if athletes provide substantial assistance to ASADA's investigation.
Doyle hopes NRL players will be given similar avenues to explore.
Sandor Earl, the only player to be banned under the long-running ASADA drugs in sport investigation, tweeted his frustration on Friday: "I officially regret assisting in the process with ASADA and the NRL. Should of just shut up after reading all the news today wow. Fairness?"
Earl is set to appear before the NRL's anti-doping tribunal at the end of this month, however his lawyer issued a no comment when asked if a date was set.
The former Canberra and Penrith winger has admitted to taking performance-enhancing drugs and, according to the NRL, is also facing trafficking charges.
Earl also tweeted on Friday: "Not as easy as just going in next week to the tribunal some serious matters are being dealt with in the AAT to be heard first and foremost!!"
The NRL player welfare department and the Rugby League Players' Association say they have been in regular contact with Sharks players and will continue to provide advice and assistance.
Also on Friday, the NRL in conjunction with the NSW government announced an initiative to teach junior rugby league players about how to make better decisions in real life situations involving drugs, drugs, consent, social media and cyber bullying.
Share
