Cowboys, Panthers, Raiders step into the spotlight - ABC Online

Updated February 12, 2013 07:54:00

North Queensland, Penrith and Canberra have become the first NRL teams to come forward as the hunt to find the clubs involved in the Australian Crime Commission's probe into the use of illicit drugs began in earnest.

The NRL put the heat back on its sides after the ACC granted the league permission to notify the clubs referred to in the ACC's Project Aperio report.

The Cowboys outed themselves late on Monday night, while Penrith and Canberra reportedly confirmed they were also clubs in the spotlight.

"We have been mentioned in the report but we have no information on the context," Cowboys chief executive Peter Jourdain said in a statement.

"Like all NRL clubs mentioned in this report, we will co-operate fully with the NRL and ASADA.

"Until we receive a briefing on Tuesday afternoon, we will not be making any further public comment.

"We strongly support this investigation."

Clubs were told they were in the report but were not given specific information as to the nature of the investigations, with the ACC report making links between the widespread use of banned substances, organised crime and match-fixing.

All 16 clubs were contacted for comment on Monday night, with Canterbury, Gold Coast, Melbourne, Brisbane, Parramatta, Wests Tigers and South Sydney all claiming they had not been contacted by the NRL.

The NRL said it was not legally permitted to name the clubs, or specify just how many clubs were involved.

"The information that has been passed on to the clubs is simply that they have been referred to within the report," NRL chief executive Dave Smith said.

"The NRL is working with the Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority (ASADA) who will establish a more detailed briefing with the clubs regarding its investigation.

"The NRL does not have authority to name the clubs or confirm the number referred to in the report.

"Regardless of the outcome of any investigation, we are already committed to establishing the strongest integrity and compliance unit of any code and we are determined to see rugby league stronger for having addressed these issues."

Earlier on Monday, Melbourne coach Craig Bellamy backed calls for clubs and fans to be given some clarity.

"I think a lot of people have said in our game and in other codes that we'd like them to name names, team or individuals," Bellamy said during a press conference to announce his re-signing with the Storm.

The Nine Network on Monday claimed Curtis Johnston, a lower grader with NRL club South Sydney, had been stood down as part of an investigation into allegations he used performance-enhancing drugs.

AAP / ABC

Topics: sport, rugby-league, doping-in-sports, canberra-2600, act, penrith-2750, nsw, townsville-4810, qld, australia

First posted February 12, 2013 07:51:42