Cronulla’s Bronson Xerri could turn to Essendon supplements lawyer

Cronulla centre Bronson Xerri will have the right to attend the opening and analysis of his B sample should he choose to do so.

It is understood Cronulla’s Bronson Xerri has been talking to lawyers about his positive test to a banned substance. Picture: AAP

Cronulla centre Bronson Xerri will have the right to attend the opening and analysis of his B sample as well as request the documentation of both A and B samples should he choose to go down that path in the fight to save his career.

It is understood Xerri met with prospective lawyers on Friday morning, Sharks coach John Morris fronted the media only hours later, where he spoke of his concern for the teenager and his belief that the game couldn’t do any more to educate their players.

Morris has sent a text message to Xerri but he is yet to speak to the 19-year-old, who is staring at a four-year-ban after returning a positive result to a cocktail of anabolic steroids.

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“I have reached out,” Morris said. “Anything like this is a shock to any player. A kid like Bronson — I call him a kid still …. you see them like family.

“You spend so much time with them. They spend as much time at Shark Park as they do with their family.

“You love them like they are part of their family. We’re all really upset for him that he is in this situation. We know there is a fight ahead of him and a journey.

“I would like to make it clear that neither myself or the club condone the use of performance-enhancing drugs and we are firm in our belief that there are no place for them in sport.

“We have a very strict governance policy here at the club and the players are provided with regular anti-doping education at all levels.

“Under our club’s strict supplement policy, the players are very aware of the supplements they can take, which are given to them by the club or approved by our club doctor.

“They are also aware of the consequences that are there if they choose to operate outside our governance guidelines.

“I understand this has been a really difficult time for our members, our fans and our sponsors, but I would like to clearly state that this is not a reflection of what our club stands for and I take great pride in the culture we have here at the Sharks.”

Xerri is currently serving a provisional ban and is expected to have his B sample tested in coming weeks. Should that come back as positive, he faces a lengthy fight to avoid a ban or even have it reduced.

It is understood Xerri has been provided with the names of prospective lawyers, among them Melbourne-based Ben Ihle, who is renowned for his work with Essendon players in relation to the supplements scandal in 2012, as well as a handful of AFL players in doping cases.

Morris was in his office on Tuesday with his fellow coaches when he received a call from head of football Phil Moss asking him to come for an urgent chat. The subsequent news rocked not only Morris and his players, but the entire game.

“I was obviously devastated to hear the news and still feel quite sick in the stomach that Bronson is in this situation,” Morris said.

“It was pretty hard telling (the players) on Wednesday morning – they were off Tuesday. It was a pretty sombre group on Wednesday morning to the point where I had to wonder how much quality training we would get.

“The players see it as one of their mates is doing it really tough and they have to reach out and support him. They have been pretty good since then.

“I think they understand now that football is the best thing for them.”

The Sharks and the NRL are still looking for answers from the Australian Sports Anti-Doping Agency over the time between Xerri providing a sample and confirmation that he had returned a positive test.

“I appreciate that the government was within its rights to conduct its own investigation and the confidentiality around that,” Morris said.

“My only question is if someone tests positive this weekend and we found out after the grand final?”

Having experienced a traumatic week, the Sharks must find a way to lift their spirits as they prepare to face Wests Tigers at Bankwest Stadium on Saturday afternoon. The good news is that Josh Dugan is back to full fitness and he will come into the centres for Xerri.