NRL: Coach insists Manly clean as doping sanctions loom

Geoff Toovey. Photo / NZ Herald

Manly coach Geoff Toovey has maintained his stance that the NRL club have nothing to worry about over the Australia Anti-Doping Authority investigation, saying he's glad Darren Hibbert has reportedly agreed to be interviewed by the body.

Speculation is mounting that the NRL could announce sanctions today, with Cronulla's 2011 supplement programme the issue most under the microscope.

NRL chief executive David Smith has been consulting with ASADA officials in Canberra ahead of today's ARL Commission meeting, after which it's speculated an announcement could be made.

The common link between Cronulla and Manly has been their connection with sports scientist Stephen Dank and Hibbert, a supplement sales representative who had links with Dank.

Throughout the 11-month drugs in sport saga, several Manly players have reportedly been interviewed by ASADA, however the club has stood firm in the belief that their programme has always been clean.

Toovey said yesterday he's confident nothing's changed.

"We're all really positive here. We've got great systems in place and we've got great people in place as well so we haven't got a problem," Toovey said. "It's gone very quiet actually over the past couple of months. [The game] is keen to get to an outcome which has just been floating around the ether. Every rugby league follower and fan want something to happen.

"I don't really care what he [Hibbert] has to say really. I'm glad he's coming forward and is telling whatever it's he has to tell."

Despite the damage the NRL has sustained in 2013, Toovey is confident the game will bounce back regardless of any findings and punishments announced.

"I think it already has," he said.

"I'm a great believer that we've all got a duty to look after the game as a whole and that's all we do here at Manly and we're hoping things work out well for whoever is involved.

"As long as the truth comes out and we can get on with our business."

At training yesterday, Manly star Steve Matai said the team were looking forward to the saga ending.

"We're sick of hearing about it really and I just hope everything gets sorted."

- AAP