Dragons Welcome Doping and Integrity Investigation

The St George Illawarra Dragons have welcomed the investigation announced today by the National Rugby League, Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority (ASADA), the Australian Crime Commission and the Federal Government into doping and integrity issues in sport.

“Today’s announcements certainly indicate that we have a major widespread issue for sport in this country and it is important that the relevant authorities have the necessary support and cooperation to deal with such issues,” said Dragons CEO Peter Doust.

“We are confident of our compliance and are committed to working with the relevant authorities at all levels to support our sport and ensure performance enhancing or illicit drugs are not part of our game”.

The National Rugby League has today joined all major sports, the Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority (ASADA), the Australian Crime Commission, and the Federal Government in supporting a far-reaching investigation into doping and integrity issues in sport.

The National Rugby League has also appointed former Federal Court Judge, The Hon. Tony Whitlam QC to assist in the investigation process and to establish a permanent NRL Integrity Unit.

The NRL has today committed to:

- The establishment of a fully resourced NRL Integrity Unit;
- Conduct an audit and establish a register of personnel supplying performance services to players and or NRL Clubs;
- Sanctioning any Club or player found to have concealed information in relation to a breach of the NRL Anti-Doping Policy;
- Requiring team doctors to review any instance where supplements, substances or other procedures may have been administered without the prior approval of the team doctor;
- Introducing centralised testing for illicit substances to complement existing club programs.

NRL CEO, Mr Dave Smith, said Rugby League would be strong in meeting emerging threats in world sport.

“As sports we have to get this right and we will," Smith said.

“We are committed to working with ASADA and the Government in dealing with these threats and in addition to that will strengthen our own investigative capability.

“Regardless of the outcome of those investigations, there is an opportunity here to take the initiative in terms of the integrity of in sport.

“Our fans and the absolute majority of our players deserve nothing less.”

Doust also added that the Club was very disappointed by untrue and unconfirmed media reports today linking the St George Illawarra Dragons with a Sports Scientist, Stephen Dank, who has been linked to certain activities in sport.

“Our Performance Director Andrew Gray has been with our Club since the Joint Venture in 1999 and Stephen Dank has had no association with the St George Illawarra Dragons”.