NRL investigates Sharks' Mad Monday

The NRL has launched an investigation into Cronulla's Mad Monday celebrations with topless waitresses amid concerns its players have damaged the game's image.

The NRL has written to the club seeking a report on the day including what steps the Sharks took to protect the code's reputation.

It comes only a week after NRL officials contacted every NRL chief executive to remind them of their "obligations" during Mad Monday.

Each club also received a written reminder that they were not to bring the game into disrepute.

Sharks chairman Damien Keogh has also sought a report from CEO Steve Noyce over the celebrations at Coogee's Sauce Wine Bar, where the players were photographed with a topless waitress.

The appearance of the waitress has done the battling club no favours with concern it has once again tarnished the NRL's image as the code strives to engage more female fans.

A spokesperson for the NRL also confirmed they were also looking into allegations a photographer from The Daily Telegraph was confronted by a group of players and told to hand over his camera after taking photos of the celebration.

"The NRL has written to the Sharks asking for a report on their players’ gathering," the NRL official said.

"Including the steps the club took to protect the image of the game and the club."

It is understood the waitresses were provided by the proprietor of the bar with the Sharks playing no part in their appearance.

However, Cronulla CEO, Noyce, said he had spoken with the players and expressed his "disappointment" over the day.

The furore comes as the embattled club tries to put the controversy of the ASADA probe behind after some of its players, including captain Paul Gallen and Wade Graham took guilty pleas for using banned supplements in 2011 and were banned from playing for the final three rounds of the season.