ASADA approaches Manly coaching staff for help in drugs investigation

MANLY's coaching staff have been called into ASADA's NRL inquiries after receiving interview notices this week.

Geoff Toovey

MANLY's coaching staff have been called into ASADA's NRL inquiries after receiving interview notices this week.

News Limited last night learned the Sea Eagles head coach Geoff Toovey and veteran trainer Don Singe have joined 41 current and former players on the list of NRL identities that ASADA wishes to speak with as part of its investigation.

It's also believed former Sea Eagles doctor, Paul Bloomfield, has been told he's wanted for interview.

All worked together at Manly while sports scientist Steve Dank - one of the investigation's central figures - was co-ordinating the club's supplement program.

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Former Manly head coach Des Hasler oversaw Dank's work and is also expected to be interviewed, along with other ex-Sea Eagles staff that have since joined him at Canterbury.

Hasler last night said he was yet to receive a notice, while Toovey declined to comment.

Hasler and Toovey have previously denied any wrongdoing at Brookvale during Dank's tenure between 2005 and 2010.

Manly have also been given the all-clear over any concerns surrounding systematic doping, with the spotlight fixed on past and present Sea Eagles players who might have privately sourced additional supplements.

Dank has also denied ever using performance-enhancing substances in the NRL.

Toovey refused to speak about ASADA's investigation into the club, where it's believed at least three current Sea Eagles players are also wanted for interview.

While Hasler has cited budgetary constraints for Dank's departure in 2010, Bloomfield and other football staff held private concerns about some of his methods.

There were similar views within the club about Dank's associate, Darren Hibbert, AKA "The Gazelle".

Hibbert has confirmed that he sold permitted supplements directly to players from various clubs, including Manly.

And News Limited has also revealed that Dank used a private clinic in Bankstown to treat players away from their clubs. ASADA has attempted to interview Dank and Hibbert, who have both denied any wrongdoing.

The NRL has vowed not to identify the players of interest. But it's already known that 14 are currently at Cronulla, while at least three are with Manly.

There are another eight former Sharks, who are either retired or playing elsewhere, in the sights of investigators.

While the players of interest are compelled to provide "reasonable assistance" to ASADA under the NRL rules, it remains to be seen what level of co-operation coaching staff will be expected to supply.

Legal representatives for the players are liaising with lawyers for the NRL to specifically define the players' rights.

Should they not be satisfied with the NRL's interpretation, the players could seek an injunction from the NSW Supreme Court to have a judge define their responsibilities.