The NRL said today that former Sharks Head of Strength and Conditioning, Trent Elkin will be able to apply to have his suspension lifted in December 2015 - if he meets a range of conditions.
These include completing an intensive education and training course focussed on work place health and safety and the use and administration of dietary and other supplements.
The course will also cover the NRL rules, including those relating to Anti Doping and the Code of Conduct as well as other integrity and ethical training.
Mr Elkin will also have to satisfy an NRL panel that he understands the duties and obligations of a strength and conditioning coach before he can return to the NRL.
He has been directed not to have any contact, directly or indirectly, with any NRL club, team or player during the period of his suspension.
Chief Operating Officer Jim Doyle said the NRL’s Appeals Committee had changed Mr Elkin’s penalty from a cancellation to suspension and determined it should apply for a period of 21 months from 6 March, 2014.
This means the date when Mr Elkin could be reinstated, December 2015, remains unchanged from the NRL’s original decision.
“We are pleased that the Committee has adopted a strong stance on this issue, consistent with that taken by the NRL, and we will implement its findings relating to Mr Elkin,” Mr Doyle said.
“We have a fair and independent process in place to ensure that these matters are dealt with professionally and transparently.”
