“There is a process in place that I am required to follow. I’m shattered I’m not playing with the boys this weekend and I wish them all the best for Saturday.”

The statement went on to say the provisional suspension is not an admission of guilt or wrongdoing and that Xerri will have the opportunity to have his B-sample analysed.

Sharks boss Dino Mezzatesta has lashed the length of time it took for Xerri to be notified, questioning whether the club would have released Josh Morris if it had known earlier.

While also launching a defence of the club's culture on Wednesday, Cronulla's chief executive confirmed he had raised concerns with ARL Commission chairman Peter V'landys about the six months it took between Xerri's sample and the club learning of the drama.

The test was conducted weeks after Xerri had shoulder surgery.

Xerri was told the news on Tuesday morning, two days before the NRL season restart and hours before he was due to be named in winless Cronulla's line-up for the clash against the Wests Tigers at Bankwest Stadium on Saturday.

Absolutely, had we been notified early, we may have well taken things very differently in our approach to our playing roster.

Dino Mezzatesta, Cronulla Sharks CEO

And it was only two months ago the Sharks agreed to release Morris from his contract to link with brother Brett at the Roosters as the club juggled salary cap constraints.

When asked about the delay in Xerri's test and being told, Mezzatesta said: "That's a matter really for the NRL to take up with ASADA, but it does seem like a long process.

"Our hope is that the process isn't anywhere near as long to conclude. It could be more damaging not only for the individual and club, but the code itself. We should be celebrating the return to the game and that's what we should be focusing and concentrating on.

"That's why we'd hope there's an expedient outcome for all concerned.

"It's an interesting question [about Morris] and that's one of the reasons why we're quite disappointed in the length of time that it's taken to notify not only the NRL but the club. Things may have been completely different for us.

"So absolutely, had we been notified early, we may have well taken things very differently in our approach to our playing roster."

Mezzatesta said the club's sole focus was on Xerri's welfare. The speedy centre was considered a future State of Origin star and attacking weapon the Sharks could build their future around.

He was confident the latest drugs scandal to rock the code was restricted to one player and defended the club's culture after the peptides scandal from the 2011 season.

"There's no issue here at the club," he said. "Although there's a history, we're very confident with the protocols we have in place, with the systems we have in place.

"It's unfortunate that this matter has arisen for a young individual associated with our club. Our priority now is his welfare and the support of that young individual. We certainly have no concerns about our club at all, not at this time and certainly not in the future.

"I've spoken to Bronson and spoken to his family. He's obviously very shaken, he's got a long road ahead. He needs to take some advice but he's fully aware that he has our full support."