Dank was livid with several aspects of an article in which former Cronulla trainer Trent Elkin broke his silence over the club's controversial supplements program in 2011.

In it, a letter from Smith to Elkin stated: "I was conscious that Dank’s association with your club was relatively short, that you were actively misled by Dank, that you did not engage in deliberate conduct to breach the NRL Rules and that you have cooperated in the NRL Investigation.’’

Dank denies ever misleading Elkin, claiming the strength and conditioning coach was fully aware of every aspect of the supplements program. Which is why the sports scientist's lawyers now have Smith in their sights.

"We have been reviewing a number of statements put to us in relation to Dave Smith," Dank said.

"Smith's comments, in which he claimed I deliberately misled Elkin, are a complete fabrication on Smith's part.

"A number of other comments similar to that have been passed to us. My defamation team will now be commencing legal action against Dave Smith."

Dank and Elkin remained close after the pair finished up at Cronulla, with Elkin even asking Dank for advice on his contract and the structure of his high-performance unit when joining Parramatta.

However, Elkin too could end up in court if Dank has his way.

"I have discussed with my defamation solicitor and barrister the comments in the article which appeared last weekend," Dank said.

"Nothing was ever done with any player at Cronulla without his full knowledge, he was fully briefed on everything that was happening. Some of the comments that he made were far removed from the truth.

"We will now be pursuing legal action in regards to those comments."

It's understood Dank also has AFL boss Andrew Demetriou in his sights over his handling of the supplements saga.

BOYD MAY BOOT OUT BARBA

With Darius Boyd expected to follow Wayne Bennett north, Brisbane will need to shed one of its high-priced fullbacks.

Our mail is that the club's preference is to move on Ben Barba, but that is going to be a hard sell because he hasn't quite lived up to his hefty price tag at Red Hill. With Boyd, Barba, Josh Hoffman and Anthony Milford on the club's books, something is going to have to give.

Complicating issues is the fact the NRL is investigating the Broncos over potential salary cap breaches.

Barba's form has improved since shifting to five-eighth and it wouldn't surprise if Cronulla, searching for a replacement for Todd Carney, have a crack.

However, Barba cited family reasons for leaving the Bulldogs, which could rule out a return to Sydney.

VETERANS FORK OUT

The guard of honour formed by former Rabbitohs players at Friday night's clash with Manly at the SCG was a wonderful touch.

But one has to question why the old greats had to pay $40 for the privilege.

As this flyer shows, that's what they had to fork out to be involved and for 'finger food and beverage'.

While it's believed the funds will being used to, ironically, assist former players, surely a club supposedly performing well financially could have picked up the tab.

MATA'UTIA QUARTET

St George Illawarra won't be granting Peter Mata'utia a release while Paul McGregor is coaching the club. Mata'utia is contracted until the end of next season but was hoping to take up a long-term deal with Canterbury.

The Bulldogs are looking to bolster their backline depth following the departure of Krisnan Inu and the versatile Mata'utia is considerd a contender for the fullback spot.

McGregor wants Mata'utia to stay put but a release may be forthcoming should 'Mary' be overlooked as head coach for next season.

The Mata'utia brothers could soon be rivalling the Burgess quartet as the hottest family in rugby league after Sione and Chanel recently made their NRL debuts.

Another sibling, Pat, is also contracted to the Knights and a chance of becoming the fourth player in the family to play first-grade.

RORKE'S DRIFT CENTENARY

This year's Four Nations clash between Australia and Great Britain will mark 100 years since the Rorke's Drift Test, arguably the most historic international match in rugby league history.

To celebrate, Kangaroos officials are considering issuing replica maroon and blue horizontal stripe jerseys, similar to the ones used in the Centenary Test. The Rorke's Drift Test was almost called off after the Poms threatened to pull out of what was a third match in three days.

BOARD ROOM

Former players Danny Stapleton and Gary Leo were re-elected onto the Balmain board following the Leagues Club annual general meeting last weekend. Les Hobbs, who was involved in the Tigers teams of the 1980s and '90s, jagged the final spot up for grabs. However, the frustrating wait for three independents to be appointed to the Wests Tigers board continues.

PEARD FUND-RAISER

The league community has rallied for some worthy causes in recent times, most notably fund-raising events for Alex McKinnon and Simon Dwyer.

Here's another one ...The Men of League Foundation have organised a benefit night for John Peard on September 4. After suffering a stroke, 'Bomber' Peard has been left with little movement down one side of his body.

The funds raised from the gala event at Sharks Leagues Club will go towards sending Peard to the US for revolutionary treatment for his condition.

Just $120 will buy you a two-course meal with beer and wine and the opportunity to help out a great in need. To attend, RSVP at events@menofleague.com

WRIGHT EXIT

Cronulla will have another hole to fill in their roster, with  Jonathan Wright set to leave at the end of the season. The former Bulldogs winger is likely to continue his career overseas.