The NRL - Too Little, and Far Too Late

The breaking news that the Sharks coach, Shane Flanagan, has been stood down - and members of the coaching team including the club doctor have been shown the door - surely confirms just that the crisis facing not just the Sharks, but the greatest game of all, is not just media talk, or even a political stunt, as perhaps we had suspected (and maybe hoped) it was. 

The breaking news that the Sharks coach, Shane Flanagan, has been stood down - and members of the coaching team including the club doctor have been shown the door - surely confirms just that the crisis facing not just the Sharks, but the greatest game of all, is not just media talk, or even a political stunt, as perhaps we had suspected (and maybe hoped) it was. 

This is now serious business - very serious business. 

And the question needs to be asked - where is the ARLC/NRL? 

Yesterday we saw a meaningless statement assuring fans the opening game against the Titans will go ahead. 

Big deal! 

What Sharks fans, and what fans generally, need to know is when the NRL knew about the alleged involvement of the Sharks in illegal activity - and when it first did something about it? There has been a total absence of pro-active leadership from the NRL, and not much better from the Sharks management....at least until today. 

If the NRL knew before Tuesday night then its credibility is right on the line. 

We have been told that on Tuesday night a group of Sharks players "visited" the home of a former Sharks trainer - who now works with the Eels. It has been reported he has been "co-operating" with ASADA authorities, and who knows maybe even with the Australian Crime Commission. If that incident happened, the players involved may be in much more serious trouble than any suspension for illegal drug taking - possibly interfering with a witness, and possibly a protected witness. 

That is serious prison time stuff! If it is true of course. 

What we should demand is this - was the Sharks management, and the NRL, aware Sharks players planned to visit the home of a former official who may have given evidence to ASADA, and possible the ACC and did they do anything to discourage what would be an appalling error of judgement. 

And possibly a criminal offence! 

The NRL cannot afford to sit on its hands, and rely on useless press statements. 

This is serious business - VERY serious business...and club management, and players, need guidance on how ton behave and respond in tense and trying times.  If the NRL knew before Tuesday night (and it surely must have) and did nothing to take control of the situation then it has serious questions to answer as well. 

The game needs leadership, and its players need guidance and direction. 

Today's developments make that task even more urgent! 

Front up Mr Smith and Mr Grant....and the Commission!