Thursday 13 November 2014 12:18, UK
Chief executive Gary Hetherington says Leeds Rhinos are still waiting to learn whether hooker Paul Aiton will be banned over alleged use of banned substances in 2011.
The Papua New Guinea international is reportedly facing a possible a suspension after being named as one of 17 players to have allegedly used banned peptides while playing with NRL’s Cronulla Sharks.
Twelve of the players were interviewed by Australian anti-doping agency ASADA and accepted backdated year-long bans - only three-months of which were served during the playing season - as part of a deal to bring the case to a conclusion.
It is understood Aiton was not offered the same deal as he did not participate in talks even though he claims he was never invited to do so.
Paul is now dealing with that while he is over in Australia and he will be getting representation through the NRL and the Australian players’ association.
Aiton is yet to report back for pre-season training as he is due back later this month and Hetherington insists the 29-year-old is now “dealing with the situation”.
“Paul is not due to report back just yet,” Hetherington told the Yorkshire Evening Post. “The off-season has been staggered - some of our players continued to train post our last game and some didn’t.
“Some of the players are back in training now and some are due back in a few weeks. Paul is due back in a couple of weeks’ time and he’s currently visiting Papua New Guinea and Australia. He wasn’t originally part of the 18-month Asada investigation into what went on at Cronulla in the 2011 season.
“Paul is now dealing with that while he is over in Australia and he will be getting representation through the NRL and the Australian players’ association.
“The whole investigation is centred on what happened at Cronulla and it’s nothing to do with the RFL and in many ways nothing to do with Leeds Rhinos.
“It is an issue for Paul Aiton and the NRL, who are dealing with it and there will be an outcome.”
