The NRL says it’s been assured of equal treatment from ASADA after a document emerged detailing a deal to “explore all avenues” to spare Essendon AFL players from suspensions over the systematic use of supplements last season.

News Ltd on Monday claimed that less than two weeks after the Australian Crime Commission released its report into drugs in sport and organised crime on February 7, the AFL and ASADA struck a deal to give Essendon players “an immediate level of comfort”.

The document reportedly informs the players, some of whom are alleged to have had multiple injections of AOD-9604, about their chances of receiving a “complete elimination of sanction” pursuant to the “no fault” or “negligence” defences.

While ASADA’s investigation into Essendon is being finalised, with an outcome expected next month, the probe into 31 current NRL players is expected to take much longer after all interviews were suspended in May.

ASADA is set to resume interviews with 10 Sharks players from next week and the NRL on Monday said it had received reassurances from both the government and ASADA that rugby league players would receive equal treatment as those from Essendon.

“From the highest levels, we have been assured continually that all parties will be treated equally throughout the process,” an NRL spokesman told AAP.