Paul Gallen and other Cronulla players who have accepted a backdated ASADA ban for drug use will be free to attend the Dally Ms and other awards ceremonies, but it is unclear if they will be eligible for the awards.
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Gallen would be a leading contender for the Brad Fittler Medal at the NSWRL player of the year awards on September 10. He would also be a contender in several categories of the Dally M Awards, including representative player of the year.
The Blues skipper has already been awarded the Wally Lewis medal as player of the interstate series after leading NSW to their first series win in nine years.
"While the NSWRL is aware of admissions made by NSW captain Paul Gallen, we have received no formal notification of how any proposed suspension affects his eligibility to receive awards and the like," NSWRL boss Dave Trodden said.
"The position in that regard is unclear and until we receive clarification, we do not propose to make any further comment on the issue. Paul has been a wonderful servant for NSW. He is going through a difficult period at the moment during which he has our support."
The ASADA bans will prevent players from playing or training with their teams, but not preclude them from social functions and events. This means they can attend club presentation nights or the grand final.
But the NRL's integrity unit is yet to make a call on the protocols for awards eligibility.
