Paul Gallen was given nearly $80,000 by the NRL to cover his legal fees while under investigation by the Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority, receiving significantly more assistance from League Central than any other past or present Cronulla player.

In a revelation that undermines his claims of a lack of support from the NRL, and his subsequent protest at a proposed $50,000 fine and suspension from Test football, it has emerged the Cronulla and NSW State of Origin captain was the recipient of special treatment from Dave Smith's administration after his defection from the lawyers appointed by the Rugby League Players Association to represent Sharks players.

Deadline looming: Gallen has until Monday to respond to a breach notice issued by the NRL over his offensive tweet. Credit:Getty Images

Fairfax Media has learnt that the NRL committed to pay more than $350,000 to the 17 past and present Cronulla players who received show-cause notices by ASADA in August over alleged doping violations, with the money handed to the RLPA and then distributed to the players.

Gallen received almost $80,000 of that figure - or 23 per cent of the total legal relief fund. Gallen declined to comment when contacted by Fairfax Media on Thursday.