All eyes on the Sharks as doping scandal hits NRL start

Betting agencies yesterday suspended markets on Sunday’s opening game with Gold Coast Titans as the crisis deepened with some reports saying the players are being advised to voluntarily stand down for six months with immediate effect or face ASADA’s maximum two-year ban.

Cronulla was one of six clubs implicated in the recent Australian Crime Commission (ACC) report into drugs, match-fixing and organised crime in Australian sport.

It is believed ASADA are looking at players contracted with the Sharks since 2011 and the development is causing huge embarrassment and concern for the NRL.

The competition was looking for a positive start to the new campaign given, among other things, the return of its former superstar Sonny Bill Williams with Sydney Roosters after his spell both winning boxing titles and the World Cup with the All Blacks.

He is set to face South Sydney – and England’s own big-name forward Sam Burgess – in today’s opener.

Former Bradford Bulls coach Brian Noble is in contention to succeed Phil Veivers as the next Salford chief, according to owner Marwan Koukash, along with ex-Wigan centre Tony Iro.

Hull FC, reeling from another disappointing loss at Widnes, will be bolstered by the return of Australian stand-off Daniel Holdsworth for tomorrow’s visit from Castleford plus ex-Hull KR prop Liam Watts who makes his first appearance of the season.

Another front-row – Josh Bowden – is also in contention after impressing during a dual-registration spell at York.

Hull, meanwhile, have put back their Good Friday derby against Hull KR from a lunchtime kick-off to a 2.45pm start at the KC Stadium.