National Rugby League Ready To Handle Possible ASADA Surprise

National Rugby League CEO Dave Smith "is not anticipating any bad news from the Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority during the finals series but if something does happen, he insists the game is equipped to handle it," according to Read & McDonald of THE AUSTRALIAN. Smith "remains in constant dialogue with ASADA as the anti-doping body continues its investigation into supplement use across the code." The investigation "has cast a shadow over the entire season and it threatens to do so throughout the finals." Nevertheless, Smith "is confident the game is well placed to handle anything that comes its way." He said, "What we're doing is making sure things go quickly but at the same time it is done properly. Nothing has changed there really." ASADA "has completed its interviews with players, a number of whom are involved in the finals series." As it stands, only one player "has been held to account" -- Canberra winger Sandor Earl (THE AUSTRALIAN, 9/10).