https://cdn.newsapi.com.au/image/v1/7d6f12d90be074213774d949508da7fb
Sharks coach John Morris has rubbished claims of a culture issue at Cronulla.Source: Getty Images

Sharks coach ‘proud’ of club culture despite fresh drugs scandal

by

Sharks coach John Morris has rubbished claims of a culture issue at Cronulla after Bronson Xerri tested positive for banned substances.

The Sharks were embroiled in a 2011 peptides scandal, leading to allegations that Xerri was subject to a problem environment well before supplying a positive sample.

But Morris has emphatically denied that is the case, telling Nine News the club has moved on from past issues.

Kayo is your ticket to the 2020 NRL Telstra Premiership, returning Thursday 28th May. Watch every game Live & On-Demand with no-ad breaks during play. New to Kayo? Get your 14-day free trial & start streaming instantly >

Something not right at Sharks
1:13

MORE NRL NEWS

EXCLUSIVE: Sharks whistleblower alerted ASADA to Xerri’s alleged steroid use

‘SH*T-POTTING HALFWITS’: Kent’s brutal reality check for AFL greats

HOOPER: The ‘web of deceit’ ASADA was trying to uncover from Xerri’s phone

LOCKED IN: Murray extends South contract as he pens multi-year deal

ROUND 3 TEAMS: Who’s in for your team and who’s racing clock for NRL restart

“We certainly acknowledge that (2011 scandal) and it’s very unfortunate that we’ve had another case, but it was nine years ago when that incident took place,” he told the network.

“To put that into perspective, Bronson was around 10 years old and 99 per cent of the playing group wasn’t at the club.

“The club paid a huge price for that and then learned a really hard lesson, as did the NRL and Australian sport.”

Morris added that the club has “strict governance programs” in place and that his players are well educated by the club doctor.

“I’m really proud of the culture at our club and we’ve worked really hard to turn it around. We’ve turned it around both on and off the field,” Morris said.

Nonetheless, Morris said he was “devastated” by the news of Xerri’s positive test, while captain Wade Graham said he’s “shattered” for both player, fans and the league itself.

The team, however, must dust itself down with the league resuming on Thursday. The Sharks’ round three clash is against Wests Tigers on Saturday.

Tip-off leads ASADA to Xerri
0:55