ASADA probe a nightmare but Cronulla Sharks not counting on losing players, says Todd Carney

CRONULLA star Todd Carney has branded the ASADA probe a "nightmare" but says his embattled club isn't counting on losing players to bans.

CRONULLA star Todd Carney has opened up on the ASADA drama, claiming it has been a "nightmare for everyone".

And Carney dismissed suggestions Cronulla players could be suspended over the supplements scandal by saying: "We're not planning on losing any players."

Rumours swirl throughout rugby league about potential punishment for Sharks players and their coach Shane Flanagan.

Carney said the entire game was "sick" of the ASADA investigation.

"It is a nightmare for everyone," Carney said.News_Image_File: Todd Carney of the Cronulla Sharks poses during an NRL Nines event today in Sydney.

"It dampens the game and dampens everyone's spirits when it comes up.

"Rugby league is a family - we want it resolved so we can produce our best week in, week out.

"If your club's not involved you want it to be resolved - if your club is involved you want it resolved.

"I am sure it is going to be but, until it does, we will keep doing our thing. It is a process that has to be done I guess.

"I think everyone is (sick of it)."

Carney was quick to shoot down speculation some team-mates could be suspended.

"We're not planning on losing any players," he said. News_Rich_Media: Cronulla Sharks captain Paul Gallen is keen to move on and focus on rugby league as the NRL club prepare to discover the findings of ASADA's investigations.

"No one talks about it (at training).

"It's not a topic that we speak about. We have better things to worry about at training and to improve ourselves for 2014.

"I wasn't at the club in 2011 so all I can do is support the club.

"We have recruited well this year, we're training really well and are one of the few clubs that has got their halves, fullback and number nine on deck.

"A lot of clubs have those players away with other commitments and won't return until mid-January."News_Image_File: Todd Carney of the Cronulla Sharks, Willie Tonga of the Parramatta Eels and Robbie Farah of the Wests Tigers pose with the NRL Auckland Nines trophy today in Sydney.

Carney was talking yesterday at another launch for the Auckland Nines, which will be played on March 15 and 16 at Eden Park.

Already 36,000 tickets for each day have been sold, organisers hoping that will jump to 44,000 by kick-off.

There is a $2.25m prize pool with ticket sales having already generated $3m. The tournament's trophy was unveiled yesterday at League Central as were some of the club jumpers.

"We will bring our best side,'' Carney said.

"The prizemoney is quite appealing and, as a club that needs some money, we will be putting our best foot forward.News_Image_File: Todd Carney of the Cronulla Sharks, Greg Bird of the Gold Coast Titans, Dick Smith CEO and Managing Director Nick Abboud, NRL CEO Dave Smith, Willie Tonga of the Parramatta Eels and Robbie Farah of the Wests Tigers pose with the NRL Auckland Nines trophy today in Sydney.

"Our nature is to win and that's what we try to do each weekend and it will no different at the Nines."

Five tackles and five point tries will ensure excitement at the event.

"It has been a while since we had a tournament like this so it's a long-time overdue and one that will suit my game," said Wests Tigers skipper Robbie Farah.

"I think there will be a good mix of speed out wide and mobile forwards who have skill.

"It will be a fast and hectic game and you will see things you have never seen before."

And Gold Coast champion Greg Bird added: "Everything will be different in Nines football. No-one knows what other teams will do.

"We will go there with an open mind and enjoy it."