David Smith.

David Smith. Photo: Alex Ellinghausen



THE NRL has informed clubs mentioned in the Australian Crime Commission's report into doping, match-fixing and organised crime in sport, with chief executive David Smith making a series of phone calls on Monday night to say they were under investigation or to give them the all-clear.


Penrith, one of several clubs who had auditors sent to their premises after the report was released, confirmed they were one of the clubs in the spotlight, while late on Monday night Canberra and North Queensland also confirmed they were among those named.


"We have been mentioned in the report but we have no information on the context," Cowboys CEO Peter Jourdain said.


"Like all NRL clubs mentioned in this report, we will co-operate fully with the NRL and ASADA.


"Until we receive a briefing on Tuesday afternoon, we will not be making any further public comment. We strongly support this investigation."


Clubs who said they had not received any contact included South Sydney, Canterbury, St George Illawarra, Parramatta, Sydney Roosters, Brisbane, Gold Coast, Wests Tigers and Melbourne.


Cronulla and Manly, who have been linked with former Essendon sports scientist Stephen Dank, did not respond to Fairfax Media inquiries.


Newcastle, who also had NRL-appointed auditors check club computers last Thursday after the announcement, are expected to confirm being named in the report at a press conference on Tuesday.


The Warriors did not return calls from Fairfax Media.


Elsewhere, NSW Cup player Curtis Johnston, who plays for the Rabbitohs' NSW Cup feeder club North Sydney and has yet to play in the NRL, has been stood down amid claims he is featured in the investigation.


Smith, the new NRL boss, personally phoned club chiefs whose teams are named in the report following an ARL Commission meeting in Brisbane on Monday. It is understood Smith told them they had been mentioned in the probe but said for legal reasons he could not give any more details. He told them he would be back in touch.


''The information that has been passed on to the clubs is simply that they have been referred to within the report,'' Smith said.


''The NRL is working with the Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority who will establish a more detailed briefing with the clubs regarding its investigation.''


It has been reported that six clubs were named in the report but the NRL said they did not have the authority to identify them.


The Nine Network on Monday claimed Johnston was at the centre of an investigation following a series of damning text messages. NSWRL boss Geoff Carr would only say a player had been stood down following an allegation of illicit drug use.


''There's been an allegation and the club has been cautious and stood the player down,'' Carr said. ''There has been no positive test.''


Meanwhile,Panthers halfback Arana Taumata on Monday night went on the attack over rumours of his involvement. The 23-year-old pleaded guilty in 2011 to using a forged prescription to acquire Valium from a Sydney chemist.


''Look, I understand the reason for going for me,'' Taumata tweeted. ''The truth is I don't even drink protein.lol but come on. #GiveUsABreak''.


With MICHAEL CHAMMAS, aap