Rugby League Players Association boss David Garnsey has described the Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority's requirements for players to try and escape suspension as inequitable and unreasonable.

The RLPA issued a statement on Wednesday night in which Garnsey reinforced his support for the players caught up in the investigation.

"If players wish to respond the ASADA legislation ordinarily gives them 10 days in which to do so, and the players are now taking advice from their respective legal representatives as to how to proceed," the statement said.

"Players have maintained from the start of the investigation that they are not aware that they had been provided with any prohibited substances. This investigation commenced 18 months ago and the NRL has already determined there was a serious deficiency in governance at the club and that it failed to provide players with a safe workplace.

"The Players are now being compelled to explain why they should not be sanctioned and so are effectively being held to account for a failure by their employer to observe their duty of care obligations. The RLPA maintains this situation is inequitable and unreasonable. This lengthy saga has seen the Players endure enormous public scrutiny and pressure and the RLPA will continue to work with the NRL in respect of the welfare of all Players involved in the Investigation."

Former federal Labor justice minister Jason Clare, who spoke at the "blackest day in sport" news conference 18 months ago, said on Wednesday on Sky News that "the things I said on that day were accurate".

ASADA also released a statement on Wednesday afternoon admitting it had begun handing out show cause notices to present and former Cronulla players related to the use of prohibited substances CJC-1295 and GHRP-6 after a 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,” the ASADA statement said.

''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.''

Cronulla also confirmed the news on Wednesday afternoon, reiterating their support for the players engulfed in the investigation.

''Players have been offered a proposal regarding a possible suspension, which they need to consider before the weekend, with the players to consult with their legal representatives over the next two days in relation to their individual circumstances,'' the Sharks statement said.

''The Sharks will continue to act in the best interests of the players and are providing on-going support, both to those issued with the notices as well as others in the club, while solicitors acting for the players will continue to manage the process on their behalf.''

An NRL spokesman said: ''This is a process that may or may not lead to players being placed on the register of findings. This process is governed by the National Anti-Doping Scheme and players have been invited to make submissions to ASADA in response to the notices.''

Retired Sharks winger Beau Ryan took to Twitter on Wednesday to express his admiration for the way his former teammates have handled themselves throughout the ordeal.

''Thoughts are with my brothers @Cronulla_Sharks going through the #ASADA drama. Proud of how you guys have handled yourselves #Brothers,'' Ryan tweeted.

The 17 past and present Sharks players issued with show-cause orders:

Paul Aiton (Leeds Rhinos) 
Colin Best (retired)
Josh Cordoba (London Broncos)
Luke Douglas (Gold Coast Titans)
Stuart Flanagan (Appin Dogs) 
Paul Gallen (Cronulla Sharks)
Nathan Gardner (Cronulla Sharks)
Wade Graham (Cronulla Sharks)
Albert Kelly (Gold Coast Titans)
John Morris (retired)
Ben Pomeroy (Catalans)
Tim Smith (Wakefield Wildcats)
Kade Snowden (Newcastle Knights)
Anthony Tupou (Cronulla Sharks)
John Williams (retired) 
Broderick Wright (retired) 
Matthew Wright (North Queensland Cowboys)