A total of 17 ‘show cause’ notices are to be issued in accordance with the ASADA Chief Executive Officer’s (CEO) responsibilities under the ASADA Act and relate to the use of prohibited substances, CJC-1295 and GHRP-6, during the 2011 season. The decision to issue ‘show cause’ notices by ASADA CEO, Ben McDevitt is based on evidence collected during the 16 month investigation. Prior to issuing the ‘show cause’ notices the evidence was reviewed by former Federal Court Judge the Hon. Garry Downes and ASADA senior legal counsel. Based on his assessment of the evidence, the ASADA CEO has reached the conclusion that the players have a case to answer under the World Anti-Doping Code. Once the ASADA CEO reaches a conclusion that a possible violation has occurred, it is his duty under legislation to put formal allegations to players and invite them to respond. Players have ten days to lodge a submission in response to the ‘show cause’ notices. This information along with the evidence collected by ASADA will be put to the independent Anti-Doping Rule Violation Panel (the Panel) for consideration. In the event the Panel enters a player onto the Register of Findings, the player will be offered an opportunity to have their matter heard before the NRL’s Anti-Doping Tribunal. Should a matter proceed to the NRL’s Anti-Doping Tribunal, it will be responsible for assessing the evidence and player submissions before delivering a judgment. Rights of appeal are offered to parties under the World Anti-Doping Code. In the event a player waives their right to a hearing, the NRL will decide the appropriate sanction in accordance with its anti-doping policy. The World Anti-Doping Code’s Prohibited List categorises CJC-1295 and GHRP-6 under S2 ‘Peptide Hormones, Growth Factors and Related Substances’. Anyone considering the use of these substances should be aware that they may result in potentially serious health consequences. GHRP-6 is not approved for human use in Australia. ASADA is unable to discuss the specifics of the ‘show cause’ notices while matters remain ongoing.