The following is a statement from ARLC CEO Dave Smith:
“The NRL is in close and productive negotiation with the Australian Crime Commission to establish a formal mechanism by which we can inform individual clubs that they have been the subject of intelligence gathering by the ACC.
“Tony Whitlam QC is today continuing to assist the NRL in establishing a formal set of procedures with the ACC through which information can be passed to the clubs. This framework should be established in 24-48 hours.
“Once this information is passed on the NRL will not, under the guidelines outlined by the ACC, be able to identify the clubs publicly. This will be a matter for the individual clubs to consider in consultation with ASADA, the ACC and the NRL.
“While acknowledging media speculation about the number of clubs today the NRL remains bound by strict legal constraints and these have been reinforced today by both the ACC and Justice Minister Jason Clare.
“The NRL accepts that there are frustrations for players, clubs and fans, however, the significance of these matters demands they are dealt with through a proper process.”
There will be no further comment at this stage
