Agencies suspend betting on Sharks game as ASADA probes sports doping

6.30pm Expected crisis meeting did not eventuate.

6pm: CRONULLA Sharks board members are said to be in a crisis meeting inside the Leagues Club following ASADA revelations this week.

A media pack has gathered outside Sharkies and is waiting to hear from the club. 

Betting agencies have suspended betting on the Sharks round one clash against Gold Coast on Sunday night. 

THE STORY SO FAR

CRONULLA Sharks preparations for their opening home game on Sunday were disrupted after Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority officials stepped up their national drugs in sport investigations this week.

Players and club officials had interviews this afternoon over what knowledge they might have about the possible use and/or distribution of banned performance enhancing substances — in particular during the 2011 rugby league season.

It followed a meeting between Sharks officials and ASADA officials on Monday to discuss the ongoing investigation. 

When news got out about the players’ meeting,  the Sharks Wednesday morning training session was effectively banned from the media and any other onlookers, with the session going ahead behind closed gates.

The Leader understands the meeting was the latest in a number of player meetings, which did not involve coach Shane Flanagan or any club officials.

A spokesman said the club had no comment ‘‘at this stage’’ about the investigations.

Betting agencies have suspended betting on the Sharks round one clash against Gold Coast on Sunday night. 

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