National Rugby League Cronulla Sharks players will approach Tuesday's interviews with Australian Sports Anti-Doping Association investigators with "renewed hope they may emerge unscathed," following revelations that Australian Football League Essendon players are "unlikely to face bans," according to Brent Read of THE AUSTRALIAN. Sharks players "are scheduled to meet ASADA interviewers" Tuesday. It will be "the first time any of those involved in the investigation have spoken to the anti-doping body since interviews were cancelled in April over a perceived lack of co-operation." The players will "enter the interviews in a bullish mood." Like Essendon, Cronulla stands "accused of systematic doping." However, it appears ASADA has been "unable to find enough evidence to lay any charges against the AFL club." Cronulla will be "hoping for the same outcome as ASADA steps up investigations into the NRL" (THE AUSTRALIAN, 8/6). In Sydney, Lane & Proszenko reported Cronulla captain Paul Gallen criticized the "support provided by the NRL to Sharks players as they prepare for interviews" with ASADA investigators. Gallen said, "It's frustrating because obviously when you look at the players involved, naturally if they want to get anyone they want to get the biggest name." Gallen, when asked if "he had received good support from the NRL during the six months since the investigation was launched," said, "I wouldn't say yes, so I don't think we've had great support from the NRL. Personally speaking I don't think I have had great support" (SYDNEY MORNING HERALD, 8/6).
